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sillylilsquid · 4 months ago

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𝔘𝔫𝔰𝔭𝔬𝔨𝔢𝔫 𝔗𝔯𝔲𝔱𝔥𝔰

♥︎summary where friends secretly harbor deep feelings for each other. their unspoken bond is tested when you misinterpret a photo of dae ho with another woman. heartbroken and desperate for answers, he visits your apartment. he finds your journal containing your heartfelt confessions. realizing the depth of their unspoken connection he address you in a way you never imagined. will it mend both of your broken hearts? or tear you apart forever?

♥︎trigger warnings: au, no squid game. afab reader(though never states anything too specific so could be read as gn!), mentions of ptsd, mentions of cheating, invasion of privacy

♥︎a/n: words cannot begin to describe how proud I am of this. please enjoy. <3

Dae ho and you have known each other for over two years, and been unofficially a couple for almost one year–if you asked him. The two of you met at your place of work, a cafe seated in the middle of a busy street in the city. The block was known for its tall buildings holding law offices, banks, and other prestige type businesses. Dae ho would frequent the small cafe almost daily for coffee and the occasional pastry. He’d always come in wearing a suit or a nice pair of dress pants with a button up shirt. His hair perfectly tamed and a bag slung across his shoulder. On Fridays he would wear more casual clothes and even have his hair pulled back in a more lazy style.

After a few weeks you had his order memorized, and would have it ready by the time he walked in the door. It didn��t take long for you two to hit it off. You’d make conversation most days and you had started writing little messages on his cups. They’d range from ‘have a good day,’ to talking about the weather, or little jokes. Dae ho looked forward to seeing a new message each day. What he wasn’t expecting was for your number to be written on one of his cups. You had acted particularly shy that day, handing him his order without looking up at him. When he got to work and sat down in his cubicle he swiftly pulled out his phone and typed out a message. It shocked you that he texted you so fast, honestly it surprised you that he texted you at all.

Even though Dae ho had a well paying job he never acted full of himself like other businessmen did when they came in. He was always polite and made sure to leave you a tip every single day. He never flaunted his money, he was well put together but his clothes and car weren’t lavish. His apartment was small and ran down but that did not bother him. Most of his paychecks he used to help out his parents, saving whatever was left over for emergencies. If it weren’t for being able to see you every day he would have just made his coffee at home.

The two of you talked for a few days before Dae ho asked to take you on a date. The gesture surprised you, but you agreed. The restaurant he picked out was fancy, something that would take you weeks of working to be able to afford to eat there. He didn’t choose it to flaunt his money, but just to spoil you. You had worried you weren’t dressed appropriately; most of your clothes were thrifted and ratty, so you went out and bought yourself a brand new dress and pair of shoes. It was plain but you like the way you felt in it. He showed up to your door with a bouquet of flowers. The night went great. Dinner was amazing, you hadn’t had food that good in a long time. If ever. He walked you up to your third floor apartment and offered a small hug, waiting for you to be safely inside your room before leaving.

After that night the two of you grew inseparable. Dae ho would pay anytime you went out somewhere, even if you insisted on helping out. He’d open doors for you, or pull out your chair. You had never met a man who was so caring towards you. He was only a few years your senior which meant the two of you had a lot in common. A lot more than you had expected. As much as he loved taking you out on dates he really enjoyed staying home with you. Movie nights on the couch, or maybe building a puzzle on the kitchen table…Dae ho didn’t care as long as he was with you. Neither of you had a title for what was going on between you both, and neither of you felt like you needed to put a label on it. The idea of being in an “official” relationship scared you. You had only been in one other serious relationship which ended badly, finding out the person had been cheating on you for over half the time you were together. It made your trust issues worse.

Dae ho knew that about you. You were honest up front about how relationships scared you, and he never pushed you. You two shared lots of details and secrets with each other. You learned how he was in the marines for a bit, even showed off the tattoo he had. It was a surprise to see the dark ink on his skin, something that seemed to be the complete opposite of his personality. He told you how he was actually an art major and took his current job as a graphic designer because freelance art wasn’t paying the bills. He showed you his paintings and sketches, they were breathtaking. You learned about his family; how his father was a hardass to him since he was the only boy. How he only joined the marines to appease his father. You assumed his reason for being so gentle and sensitive was from growing up with four older sisters. He even told you the not so nice stuff about his life. About how much his PTSD affected him daily. How for the longest time he couldn’t even go to the grocery store by himself. Your heart broke for him. As much as it pained you, you would also tell him about your life. How you were an only child, how hard your parents were on you for not going to college. You shared your hobbies and dreams with him. Some stuff you told him had never left the confines of your own mind before.

Tonight you knew Dae ho had a work event he had to attend. Something about networking and meeting new clients, you weren’t really sure. He offered to bring you along but you politely turned him down. The thought of meeting his coworkers scared you. How would he even introduce you? As his girlfriend? He sent you a picture of himself in his bathroom mirror before heading to the event. You hated to admit it but you stared at it all evening. His hair slicked back neatly. He wore a dark navy suit well tailored to his muscular frame, and even wore a tie. His beauty was alluring.

You sat on the couch with a random tv show playing in the background as you mindlessly scrolled on your phone. When you opened Instagram you were surprised to see a picture of Dae ho. It was a group photo with his coworkers. As you scrolled through the others in the set you landed on the third picture. He stood next to a woman, a tall and very beautiful woman. One who looked well put together and professional. His arm rested around her waist, his large hand sitting atop her hip. The sight made your mouth dry up. Her well manicured hand sat upon his chest, her red painted lips pressing a kiss to his cheek. He had his famous smile slapped on his face.

You wanted to look away, to keep scrolling or close the app entirely. But you couldn’t. No matter how much your brain screamed at you to stop looking, your eyes were trained on the photo. Memorising every single detail. How tight his grip on her waist seemed, how his smile didn’t look fake or forced. The closeness in which they stood. You hated to admit but the woman was gorgeous. Much more than you ever thought yourself to be. Her hair was long and shiny, tanned legs, flawless skin.

There was a burning behind your eyes and when you finally blinked you realized you had started to cry. Groaning you wiped your eyes on the back of your hoodie sleeves. It was obvious he was enjoying himself, maybe too much. Don’t be ignorant. You two weren’t even in an actual relationship. So why did it bother you so much? Dae ho wasn’t yours. He wasn’t anyones. Your mind raced and raced with different situations. Maybe they were just coworkers? Friends? There’s no way someone would be so close with a coworker or a friend. Before you even could register what you were doing you dialed his number.

It rang a few times and you honestly hoped he wouldn’t even pick up. Unfortunately for you, he did. You could hear the music and voices in the background. He said your name, and you snapped out of your trance. “Dae ho,” you started to speak trying to keep your voice even and calm. “I think it’s best if we stop whatever we’re doing.” you finally said. Dae ho was silent momentarily. Trying to see if he heard you correctly. “What are you saying? Where is this coming from?” he questioned. You didn’t answer his questions. Your mouth worked faster than your brain could register. Simply you replied with, “It’s over, okay? Don’t call me anymore.” and reluctantly you hung up.

Dae ho had stepped out into the hallway when he saw you were calling. And when you hung up on him he stared blankly at his phone. The screen eventually went black and that’s when he let out the breath he’d been holding. He looked around the hallway, running his hand down his face. This had to be some sort of dream. Right? There was no way he heard you correctly. He reached up to loosen his tie, feeling like he was beginning to suffocate. His hands drug through his hair and he didn’t care if he messed it up. Fists clenching around the locks he tried to ground himself. He tried using every technique he had learned from years in therapy to keep himself from freaking out. Once he knew he was okay he returned to the office and explained that something had come up and he needed to head out.

Meanwhile at home you pulled on a pair of leggings and your sneakers. You grabbed your phone and keys, then left your apartment. You had nowhere to go but you needed to get out of the apartment. Needed out of the space filled with things that reminded you of Dae ho. So you began walking. You didn’t know where to, in fact you weren’t even sure what direction you were headed in at this point. Your hood was tugged up tightly around your head to keep you warm from the bitter cold winds. No more tears fell from your eyes. In fact you felt empty. Numb. Maybe you overreacted, you thought. But the same feeling as before crept into your chest. You recalled how you felt when you found out about your ex, and you had sworn to yourself you would never let another person–another man–treat you that way again. You did the right thing, you chanted to yourself. Over and over again. Trying to convince yourself.

An hour passed as you wandered the city. Eventually you found your way back to your apartment building. Entering the lobby you trugged yourself up the three flights of stairs. At your front door you stood staring at the doorknob. You couldn’t bring yourself to open it. You knew as soon as you went in you’d smell his cologne, or see a pair of shoes he’d left over one night. And that would destroy you. All you wanted to do was sit on the couch and write in your notebook. It was the one thing you used to keep your thoughts contained. You used it to write about your day, or write ideas you had for something. If you had a bad day you would sometimes just write nonsense until you forgot why you were even upset in the first place.

Your apartment was exactly how you left it. The lights were off, just the tv left to illuminate the room. You struggled trying to untie your shoes and you let out a scream. Throwing them at the ground when you finally got them off. Urgently you rushed to the living room table, searching for your little pink notebook. You fumbled around trying to find it. You had sworn it was sitting right there. Your anger grew when every place you checked didn’t hold your notebook. Screaming again you slapped your hands down on the kitchen counter. You hadn’t realized you were shaking until they came in contact with the cold granite. It made your palms sting. You felt uncomfortably warm in your clothes. Your breathing was ragged and you tripped trying to get to your bathroom. For a moment you sat there on the floor trying to regain your composure enough to stand.

Once you made it to the bathroom you quickly stripped out of your clothes and settled for a pair of underwear and tee shirt. As soon as the fabric fell over your thighs you realized it wasn’t your shirt. It was his. His scent filled your nostrils. Your fists clenched the fabric briefly and you considered ripping it off your body. However, you didn’t. You stood staring at yourself in the bathroom mirror. The reflection that looked back at you looked foreign. Your hair had been haphazardly pulled up into a bun on the top of your head, your face and neck were splotchy. Your lips dry and cracked from the cold weather. You gnawed at the bottom one causing it to bleed as you stared at yourself. Slowly your breathing began to slow down to a more normal speed.

Assuring your composure was restored you headed towards your bedroom. In the dark you tripped over a pair of shoes on your floor while racing towards your desk. Dae ho’s shoes. Desperately your hands searched for that stupid pink notebook that meant so much to you. No luck. It had to be in the apartment, you never took it anywhere! Your body stiffened when you heard your bed shift behind you. You didn’t dare turn around. The only person who had a key was Dae ho…there was no way he was in your apartment.

“Four older sisters. Close with his grandmother. Graduated from college in Seoul.” you heard his voice and it dawned on you those were your words. Whipping around you saw him sitting on your bed. His hair now messy, his jacket thrown on the pillow and his tie loosely hung around his neck. Quickly you reached out to snatch your journal back. He pulled his arm back just enough that you couldn’t reach it. “Loves the outdoors. Polite. Chivalrous.” he continued to read, his eyes snapping up to look at yours. “Stop!” you yelled at him, tears beginning to stream down your face. Dae ho flipped the page, “Good humored. Smiles like an idiot. Likes being pervy with me. Has too much free time on his hands.”

Again you reached out, pathetically trying to grab your notebook. “Stop. Now.” you said, trying to make your voice sound more stern. Your sobbing didn’t help. Dae ho yet again ignored you. “Knows he is good looking. Cunning, always knows what I am thinking.” you sobbed, dropping down to your knees. “Gets on my nerves…but always makes me smile.” he turned to the next page. “Willful. The kindest man I know.” “Please,” you sobbed to him, reaching up but dropping your hands back down. They slapped against your thighs as you cried. These words weren’t something you had wanted him to see. Not only were you upset he was sitting in your bedroom, but now you were embarrassed.

Dae ho took a deep breath then exhaled and continued his reading. “He’ll come to me even if he’s exhausted. Always makes me happy. Loves to buy my favorite foods–I want him to eat his favorite foods too. What should I do to make Dae ho enjoy my company?” sobs racked your body and you kept your eyes glued to the floor. “How can I prevent Dae ho from getting bored? Can you not look for someone else? Can I be the only one for you? I might be boring, not pretty, not cute…but please don’t get bored of me.” another page turned. “Don’t leave me. Only be kind to me. Only take care of me. Only buy food for me. There’s nothing good about me, but I’ll do my best. I’ll do whatever you want me to.”

You knew he was nearing the end of your confessional you had written. It was something you had been working on since the day you met him. Every time he told you sometime you would write it down so you never forgot it. “Please don’t like anyone else. Please like me, Dae ho. Please love me.” That was it. He had finished flipping through the pages, and you heard him toss the journal on the floor towards you. Quickly you reached out and grabbed it, holding it tightly against your chest. As if the tighter you held your notebook, or the harder you cried could erase everything he had just read from his mind. You continued to sob, not daring to look up at him.

Dae ho moved off the bed, taking a few steps to stand directly in front of you. “Look at me,” he said quietly. His voice sounded strained, emotion filled his voice. You still refused. “Look me in the eyes,” he said again. Again you refused. Your eyes were trained on his shoes. How could you face him after that? He wasn’t supposed to talk to you again…you told him not to. Not only had he come over to see you, but he read everything. Everything you wrote about him. You couldn’t face him ever again. You felt his hand grab your face, forcing you to look up at him. His grasp was firm but not rough. When your eyes finally met his own you saw how his were bloodshot. He had cried.

The two of you stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. His hand never letting go of your face. “Tell me the truth,” he said. “Tell me the truth and I’ll go.” you didn’t speak. Instead a cry slipped past your lips and you began to bawl even harder. You were sure at this point you’d become dehydrated by how many tears you shed. “If everything in that notebook was a lie, then I’ll go. If that’s not how you really feel, then I’ll leave. I won’t contact you. But you can’t seriously look me in the eyes and tell me that was a lie.” his voice cracked

You opened and closed your mouth like a fish. Trying to desperately think of what to say to him. Think! Speak! You screamed to yourself. Deep down you knew he was right. You would be lying if you said you actually wanted for him to leave you alone. You started to see how badly you had overreacted. Your name fell from his lips. That was all it took for you to cave. Needy and desperate. You moved out from his grasp and wrapped your arms around his legs. He stared down at you, not daring to move. Your tears stained his pants but neither of you cared. As you sobbed out ‘sorries’ over and over again he reached his hand out to pull out your hair tie. Your tangled hair cascaded down and he gently ran his fingers through it. Soothing you.

It had been a really long time since you cried so hard. You knew you must’ve looked stupid, and crazy. There was no way Dae Ho would forgive you after this. He let you hold his legs and continued to play with your hair for as long as you needed. It lasted a few minutes. Then you slowly pulled away. Staring up at him with wide eyes. Dae ho kneeled down, using his thumbs to wipe away stray tears. When he stood up again you grasped onto his leg. “Please, don’t leave me.” you cried out, your voice coming out with a pathetic tone. You usually prided yourself on how strong you carried yourself–but in this moment you were crumbling beneath his presence.

“I’m not leaving.” he assured you, reaching down to pull you up off the floor. Your feet were numb, pins and needles running through them. “You’re wearing my shirt,” he commented, sticking his finger in the collar. “Looks good on you.” he tugged you closer to him by the collar. You obliged. Acting like a dog following its master. In that moment, you would do anything for him. You had already practically begged on your hands and knees for him to stay. There couldn’t be any way you’d embarrass yourself further.

As your tears dried your head began to throb. Dae ho had wrapped his strong arms around you, keeping you pressed firmly to his chest. Soon your breathing slowed down and you felt as if you were finally calm again. His presence always seemed to soothe your soul. Now that your tantrum was done and your judgement wasn’t clouded you decided to look up at him. His eyes were closed until he felt you staring at him. Slowly he opened his brown eyes. Dark lashes blinking down at you. “Can we talk about it?” he asked, and you simply nodded.

Dae ho kept his arm wrapped tightly around your waist as he led you through your apartment and pulled you onto the couch with him. He reached over to turn the small lamp on so it wasn’t as dark. You began to protest, not wanting him to see how you currently looked, but you decided against it. Your body was stiff next to his. His arm used your shoulders to pull you towards his chest, your head resting against him now. Neither of you spoke. Dae ho wanted to wait for you to be ready. Meanwhile you were trying to figure out what to even say.

“I’m sorry,” you squeaked out. Your throat felt raw. “Stop apologizing.” he whispered, placing a few kisses on the top of your head. His demeanor seemed so calm and collected–you wondered how he actually felt on the inside. When you opened your mouth to speak you tried to be calculated with your words, but they began to spill out rapidly. “The picture–I saw that picture of you on Instagram. With that woman, that beautiful woman.” you groaned, stuffing your face into his dress shirt. “It felt, well, I mean…I don’t know. You looked s-so happy,” you hiccuped, “she looked happy. I just–I guess I assumed she was better than me. My ex, I mean you know…” you trailed off, knowing what you were saying didn’t make any sense.

Dae ho’s body tensed underneath yours. His fingers traced up and down the skin of your arm waiting to see if you had anything else to say. When you didn’t continue speaking he took that as his cue. “I know what happened between the two of you, you don’t have to remind me.” he said, already knowing the trauma you had from your past. It killed him that you felt like that again. Because of him. “It meant nothing. She means nothing to me. I took the picture to be polite, I didn’t know she was going to do that. And I didn’t know my friends were going to post it.” he admitted. He took a second to keep himself calm then resumed speaking. “All I wanted all night was to get back in my car, and get back to you. I’ve only got eyes for you.”

The words made you smile. You couldn’t help but feel stupid for overreacting. “When I heard your voice on the phone I was terrified…and then I got here and you were gone. I knew you’d come back, but it worried me more than anything.” your shoulders slumped. “I never meant to hurt you,” you whispered. “But I did and that’s not fair to you.” Dae ho shushed you, not allowing you to continue blaming yourself. Once the two of you figured things out he stood up, stretching. He asked you to go to his place with him so he could shower and change. You obliged.

At his apartment you sat in the bathroom while he showered, not wanting to be away from him. The marble tiles were cold underneath you. He finished his shower, threw on a more comfortable pair of clothes then sat down on the bathroom floor next to you. His wet hair clung to him, and it made him appear even more attractive. Shyly you raised your hand to move some of it away from his eyes. He smiled, leaning into the touch. “I don’t like you anymore.” he whispered. That shocked you. You stared back at him with wide eyes, the feeling of tears burning in them returned. “I don’t like you anymore, because I love you. I have for a while, but I was worried if I told you it would complicate things.”

Immediately you relaxed as he explained his words. “Everything in that journal, was that all true?” Dae ho asked, and you barely nodded. Hating to admit that you had been writing about him in your journal for almost two years like a lovesick teenager. “I love you too.” you responded inching closer to him. Your hands rested on his cheeks, holding his face in place. “I don’t want you to leave, I don’t want to lose what we have.” your voice cracked. Dae ho chuckled, “It’s going to take a lot more to make me leave.”

The following days were a little uncomfortable. The two of you not wanting to acknowledge what went on. You tried to pretend like it didn’t happen but you felt how Dae ho would tip toe around you, almost as if he was scared something would set you off. It made you feel awful. As the weeks passed, things began to improve. He still visited the cafe every morning for his usual coffee, and began to come see you on his lunch break. The two of you went on more dates, and he showered you in gifts. It became more common for the two of you to stay the night at each other's places, neither of you wanting to be alone. He made it clear the struggles he had being back in civilian life, but you didn’t mind. You were there to help him the same way he was there to help you. There were some nights where you would wake up to Dae ho screaming or crying from nightmares; most of the time they were about his time in the marines but there were a few times you’d wake up to him shaking you. Begging you not to leave him.

You would console him, hold him and play with his hair. Whisper how you could never leave him, how you loved him oh so much. Any time you had any doubts about yourself he would be there to hold you. Let you cry if you needed to cry, or point out everything he found attractive about you. It was silly and so cliche but you absolutely loved it. You met his sisters, and found it endearing how protective they were over him.

Six months later you were on the couch in his apartment, doodling in your silly pink notebook when he arrived home from work. You glanced up briefly to admire him in his suit before returning to your drawing. Dae ho didn’t say hello, which was unlike him but you assumed he was just tired from the day. He had been working long hours recently, you thought. Out of the corner of your eye you watched him set down a cup of tea from the cafe. “For you,” he said, his voice weary. You looked up confused. Taking the cup you stared up at him. “Everything okay?” you asked him, and he nodded. Though the way his hands racked through his hair you could tell something was on his mind.

You brought the cup up to your lips and took a sip, closing your eyes as the warm liquid soothed you. You went to thank him but when your eyes opened you noticed the writing on the cup. His handwriting. ‘Marry me’ it read. Your eyebrows furrowed and you quickly looked up at your boyfriend to see him fidgeting with a small, velvet box. “Dae ho,” you whispered, setting the cup down so you didn’t accidentally drop it. Slowly he pushed the box towards you, opening it as he did. A gold ring with a singular diamond rested in the cushioned box. Reaching out with shaky hands you took it from him. He watched you, eyes wide. As you slid the ring on your finger you noticed how it fit perfectly. That’s when he finally relaxed. You shouted yes as you shot out of the chair and jumped into his arms.

He held you in his strong grip, spinning you around. When he set you back on the ground he placed a kiss upon your lips. “Really?” he asked, wanting to make sure you meant it. You laughed, “Of course, yes!” Dae ho smiled brightly, hands never leaving your waist. “My sisters helped me pick it out.” he admitted, a blush on his cheeks. You thanked him profusely. “I told you I would never leave you.” he whispered against your lips. “Not then, not now, not ever.”

#dae ho squid game #dae ho x reader #kang dae ho #kang dae ho x reader #alternate universe #squid game #squid game x y/n #squid game imagines #dae ho imagine #dae ho fluff #kang ha neul

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fanfics-i-find-here · 6 months ago

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Do I know you? Part 5

Jason Todd x reader

Synopsis: You meet Tim and Steph, Jason is not happy about it.

Notes: Some drama is finally here brought to you by Tim and Steph. This is the power of embarrassing a sibling.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Masterlist

The past week had been… odd. And that was putting it nicely. True to his word, the next evening was filled with Red Hood replacing your window locks with newer fancy ones attached to an “Out of date” alarm system (his words not yours). He showed you how to set it up and how to attach it to your phone, so if anyone got in while you were away you would know. It seemed a bit excessive to you, living on the sixth floor and all but he was adamant about it, so you let him. He told you if you wanted him to come in and share tea you would have to leave the window unlocked for a frame of time. If he didn’t show in that frame of time, you were to lock the window anyway.

“No later, understand?” He had ordered gruffly, and you had just shrugged. You’re pretty sure he rolled his eyes in response, but you couldn’t see them. In the days following he showed up every day even if it were just for a couple minutes. Sometimes you shared food, sometimes just tea. If he stayed for longer than a few minutes, you would sit amicably at the dining table or at the island. Sometimes in comfortable silence and sometimes conversing about your days, mostly you than him. You finally settled into a routine. After his visit, you would get ready for bed and repeat the day over.

Work at Jackie’s was booming. With the fall season in full swing, people came in requesting pumpkin this and pumpkin that, only to be disappointed to find out Jackies only had one pumpkin item and that was pumpkin bread. It was a blast. You kept up with the regulars and Darla would edge her way around you, collecting gossip. Over the next week and a half, she would sporadically bother you about if you had gotten Jason’s number or if you had fallen in with some other guy. She said she saw some of the signs of a guy but wasn’t too sure. When you asked what she meant she didn’t offer you any explanation.

It was a Thursday when you met Steph. When she came in, you mentally prepared yourself for another no-pumpkin showdown. You try not to judge a book by its cover, but her blonde hair and purple athleisure made it hard not to.

“Hi, Welcome to Jackie’s. What can I get for you?” your lips twitch into a customer service smile. She grins at you like this was the most excitement she had had all day.

“Hi, I’m Steph. How are you?” she asks politely.

“I’m good. What can I get for you?” she sags slightly at your shutdown of the conversation. Overly friendly new customers in Gotham were never good. They usually wanted something.

“Right,” she perks back up, “One hot chocolate and one black coffee.” She pauses for a moment while you put in the system. When you look back up, she asks “Do you know Jason?”

The sudden question slightly takes you aback and don’t answer, so she continues.

“He's about this tall,” she holds her hand in the air, “black hair, looks like he could punch a brick wall.” You nod slowly and she smiles, “Great, where does he usually sit?”

You point to the table nook he usually hides in, and she nods, “We’ll sit there. I heard that you bring the drinks out?” You nod again, still confused about this girl. No Pumpkin spice latte, and she knows Jason? Strange.

“How much do I owe you?” you finally snap out of your stupor. She pays, you thank her and tell her it will be out momentarily. She turns and greets a lean boy as he walks through the door. She tugs him to the booth quickly and they talk to each other in hushed tones, both glancing up at you occasionally. You try to ignore them as you stumble through making the two easiest items on the menu.

You glance up when the bell dings and a smile flits across your lips when you see Jason before it turns into a frown as he frowns. His eyes staring at his now occupied table. You pause in your task and come up to the register as he takes a few slow steps towards it.

“You okay?” you ask as you glance at the two at the table. They’re looking at Jason like they’ve won the lottery.

“Did they talk to you?” He ignores your own question.

“She did. Only to order though. Do I need to call the cops?”

Jason snorts at the question, “Yeah that’ll go well. She just ordered? She didn’t ask you anything?”

You give him a strange look. What is with people and odd questions today?

“She just asked where you sit. Sorry, I gave you away.”

He breaks his glare from them and meets your eye with a softness.

“It’s okay, Sweetheart. They would’ve figured it out even if you hadn’t given it to them.” Your heart flutters at the pet name. He had called you that the few times you had seen him since your walk home and it was starting to get to you.

“You want me to dump out their drinks and just make yours?” you ask as you try to force your focus away from the warmth on your cheeks.

“And ruin your hard work?” his eyes stare into your own and he finally breaks it when you hear giggles from your spies. You drop your chin down. “It’s okay,” he repeats, “I’ll sit with them.” He nods at you and heads for the table. The two sat there leaning together and whispering. You wonder who they are and how Jason knows them.

You get to work make the drinks, no longer stumbling, and with bounce your step. Darla stands next to you with a smug smile and makes some refills for customers.

“You could have asked for his number when he was alone but now there are people. Your poor self won't ever be able to do it.” She says teasingly.

“Thank you, Darla,” you say with an eye roll as you load the drinks on the tray. You take your time to meander to the table as Jason looks like he's berating the two that sit across from him. It doesn’t look like it's working as they both sit there with smug grins. You set the tray on the table and all eyes are on you. You keep your own eyes down as you move the drinks from the tray to the table. Your eyes try to catch Jason’s book for the day because you know you won't be asking like you normally do. You pull the tray from the table and rest it between your side and your arm.

“Anything else I can get you?” you glance at the two but meet Jason's eye. He looks flushed, possibly upset. Steph speaks up.

“No that’s okay. What was your name again?” she says like you had already told her. You break eye contact with Jason and look at her. She’s smiling and you can't find any malice in it, so you tell her. She nods like she already knows and points to the boy sitting next to her.

“This is Tim,” she points to Jason, “and obviously you already know Jason.” You hear a quiet thud from under the table and Tim flinches but smirks as he looks at Jason.

“You missed,” he turns to look up at you, “It's nice to meet you fin-” he cuts himself off and you wonder what the last word was.

You nod politely, “you too,” you say and look at Jason again for some explanation and a defeated look crosses his features as he shrugs.

“Brother” is all Jason gives, and you nod in semi-understanding. Based on the few mentions of family in passing conversations, you had always guessed he had a tense relationship with them.

“I didn’t know you had siblings.” You look back at the two. Tim and Jason could definitely be brothers. Aside from their stature and slight skin tone difference, everything else is similar. Black hair, blue eyes. Though you would argue that Jason’s were prettier because they were green sometimes. Not that it mattered. Your eyes meet Stephs again. Blonde hair, green eyes, bright smile. Very different looking than the two boys.

“Are you the only girl in the family?”

Steph makes a gagging sound, “I’m not family, Thank God!” Tim snorts at her over dramatics.

“I’m sorry.” Your face flushes slightly as you flounder, “Then what…?” Your hand gestures to them all sitting at the table.

Jason's eyes narrow on your embarrassed state.

“Don’t worry, she’s just a leech.”

“Hey!”

“Would you mind getting me one of those chocolate croissants?”

You shift on your feet with a look of confusion. He never asks for anything else. You nod, “Sure, anything else for the table?”

Tim looks like he’s about to ask for something, but Jason cuts him off with a glare. Instead, he shakes his head no. You hesitantly step away from the table but take your time going back to the kitchen to pull out one of the chocolate croissants and warm it up. Your eyes periodically glance back at the table. They crouch over the table and talk to each other. You worry for a moment that they’re talking about you and then decide that it doesn’t really matter. You had only met Tim and Steph today. Their opinion of you was worthless and You knew Jason wasn’t one for gossiping about others. You’ve watched Darla try and fail. Once you finally make it back over to the table with the croissant, Tim and Steph are gone leaving their half-full drinks on the table.

As you set the plate on the table you ask, “Scare them off?”

Jason lets out a sigh.

“If only. I’m sorry if they made you uncomfortable.” You shake your head in response.

“I'm sorry I made assumptions before I had all the information. I hope I didn’t offend.”

“I doubt you could ever offend anyone sweetheart” Your cheeks warm again.

“That’s not true I work in a public job, and I offend people all the time just standing” you joke. Jason smiles and nods.

“That’s fair. How could you be so lazy?” he teases. You giggle.

“Speaking of lazy, I should get back to work.” You point a thumb over your shoulder where a man leaves a table full of dishes.

“What time do you get off?” he asks. Your body freezes mid-turn at his abrupt question.

“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to” he adds on, “I just enjoyed walking with you the other day and I parked my bike around the same area again, so I thought maybe…” He trails off his own cheeks flushing. Your body relaxes as you look at your watch to think. He had convenient timing; you were off soon. It was nice having someone to walk with and it wouldn’t hurt to see him on his bike again. You nod with warmed cheeks.

“I get off in about thirty minutes if you don’t mind waiting?” you say as your eyes meet his. He nods, smiling.

“It’ll give me time to read.” He lifts his book that was sitting on the table, the cover reading Pride and Prejudice.

“Again?” You can't help but ask. He looks at the book cover and rolls his eyes.

“You really want to have this conversation again?” you shake your head quickly at his question.

“I'll see you in thirty minutes.” With that, you walk away from him and throw yourself into your finishing tasks.

Additional notes: This was originally a much longer chapter but I decided to split it up. So, the next chapter is about them walking home. I have to tell you I cannot wait for ya’ll to read the next one cause I got carried away for like three seconds and had to do some backtracking. The plot was happening where I didn’t want it. I loved having Tim and Steph involved in this and just not being subtle about anything. Jason may have tried to kill Tim once but that won't stop him from being a little shit. Thank you for your love guys. This has been such an interesting experience, so the support has been lovely. Tag List: @little-miss-naill, @nikilolo787, @joonunivrs, @uzxotic, @qardasngan, @stormz369, @g4bbi3xx

#jason todd x reader #red hood x reader #do i know you?#fanfics-i-find-here #kandywrites

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honestlyanowl · 3 months ago

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gamer!jinx X plussizedcurvy!reader where jinx has reader cockwarming her strap while she's playing a game plsplspls 🙏🙏🙏

heyy, it's been a while since I've posted a proper smut blurb like this, so I thought I'd make some time today :)

i've been on a trip for about 1-2 months back and fourth, so it's been hard for me to find time or motivation for writing, sorry for the wait. <3 (REQUESTS OPEN)

Content: nsfw - gamer!jinx, plussizedcurvy!reader, cockwarming, strap usage, silent sex, modern au?

Jinx hadn't been paying much attention to you this week, her schedule seemed to always be booked with twitch streams, that lately had seemed to be her priority.

It's not that she didn't see or talk to you throughout the day, you lived in the same apartment after all, but it was only really when you'd bring her food, water, or snacks in between add breaks that you could get a word in.

You were happy she found a career she could enjoy, but you wanted some time with her too. ***

Today however, was slightly different.

How? You may ask, well... most was as pure usual— Jinx had her headphones on, her hands working with practiced ease over the controller she held; eyes focussed on her monitor.

Except it wasn't usual, not with the way you straddled her hips, knees pressing uncomfortably into the arms of her gaming chair, muffling your soft breaths into her neck every time the blue-to-pink gradient strap would slightly nudge more inside of you with every annoyed twitch Jinx's hips would make, usually whenever she'd die in game.

It was both heaven and hell at the same time.

You were more than happy that she was finally allowing you to get close to her, feeling the warmth radiating from her skin, and how your body greedily absorbed it.

However, it was also torture being unable to move, the strap was so deep inside of you, and yet there was so little stimulation...

The best you got were occasional shivers that would climb up your spine whenever the toy massaged that gummy spot inside of you as you shifted on her hips. But it wasn't enough, barely anything compared to what she'd given you a week or so prior. You felt deprived.

You pawed almost pathetically at the freckled skin of her arm, pouting up at her and batting your lashes in hope for something more.

Jinx's gaze flickered down to meet yours for a moment, smiling a little to herself and rolling her eyes back to the screen, her face illuminated by the soft light.

How could she just deny you like that? You deserved it after all the weeks she'd delayed this!

You nudged her again, harder this time. which she obviously didn't like, shooting you a glare, giving your thigh a firm slap, before returning it back to the controller, the fast paced clicking sounds returning to haunt your ears— This was a game to her.

You spent at least thirty strained minutes trying to be pliant, grumbling every time she'd squeeze or grope your stomach to calm herself down. Sometimes going as far as dipping her head down to knowingly nibble at the chub of your cheeks... before continuing her gameplay like nothing.

Maybe she'd whisper sweet nothings by the shell of your ear, or peck your forehead to distract you from the ache inside of you.

You had given up a while ago, slacked into her chest, face nuzzled into the crook of her neck, thriving off the soft lifts of her hips whenever she felt bad, driving the strap slowly in and out, then sinking back into the chair.

"Hey chat, give me like... five minutes? I'm going to go fetch a snack."

You swore as those words left her lips you just about saw heaven, knowing goddamn well she had one or two full packets of chips beside her out of frame.

She placed her controller down, hands reaching down to settle on her hips, nuzzling your face almost apologetically as she helped you get into a higher position, so she could have a nicer angle. Sliding the colourful length in and out of your pretty pussy with long languid strokes. (while also getting a jaw-dropping view.)

Your eyes crossed, it almost hurt how good it felt, how badly you'd been craving this sensation for what felt like hours.

In fact it, you were so deep inside your head now, that you completely forgot about Jinx, who's eyes were staring harmless daggers into your frame. drinking in the sight of you.

her hands kneaded at your chest, dragged down to your stomach and pawed at the fat of your abdomen, dipping lower to grope at the flesh of your thighs.

You groaned, voice crackling as you focussed your gaze, peeking down to watch her, lip bitten between your teeth as you made eye contact.

"Jinx- hng- fuck..!" You almost cried, embarrassed at how little time it took to make you come.

"Wha- already?" Jinx's voice was thick, mocking. And yet all so amused at the same time.

pulling you back down into her chest and sheathing the strap fully into your warmth to run your high out.

Usually you'd rush to pay her back, to make her reach the same peak you did. But not today, definitely not today... you were already curled up against her, dazed out and lulled into Jinx's touch.

Her hands ran over your hips, not bothering to pull out as she rolled small circles into your sides.

"My pretty trinket."

(NOT PROOF READ) - Owl

#@honestlyanowl #lesbian #arcane #league of legends #sapphic #jinx x reader #jinx #jinx arcane #get jinxed #jinx smut #smut writing #smut #gamer!jinx #request #got warning banner from @cafekitsune !

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sweetkpopmusings · 7 months ago

Text

hongjoong coworker headcanons <3

a/n: a whole bunch of people got laid off at my company today, so it only seems right that i cope by escaping into thoughts of coworker!ateez <3 please enjoy the precious gem that is coworker!hongjoong :,-) pics not mine~

content: fluff, nonidol!au | wc: 1k | warnings: none really! one mention of food | pairing: coworker!hongjoong x gn!reader | requests: open

everyone, and i mean absolutely everyone, wants to be mentored by hongjoong

they don’t care if they aren’t even in the same department as hongjoong

they just KNOW that he is the best ally and support system to have in the office

everyone also says his face is a workplace perk most people are too scared to say thing within earshot of hongjoong lmao

hongjoong knows everything people say about him, but he doesn’t let on

instead, he simply does his job and minds his business

things change when you start working at the company

you were hired in not only the same department, but same team as hongjoong

so your supervisor assigned hongjoong as your mentor

hongjoong, ever the professional, happily accepts and promises to train you well, so you can succeed in your new role

this all happens before you have a chance to learn hongjoong’s lore at the office

so you are wildly confused by the shocked and jealous stares from your coworkers as hongjoong walks you to your desk

it also feels suspicious that seemingly everybody is walking by your desk while hongjoong gives you a brief introduction to workflows, programs, etc.

but you, like hongjoong, are just trying to mind your business and do your job

which is actually super easy because hongjoong knows every single hack, automation, etc that means you can get your work done without being slowed down by tedious tasks

he’s a genius but so casual about it that you’re just sitting there like :-0 ??? how does he know everything ???

he chuckles when he sees your face and assures you that it’s just because he’s been there for ages and that soon enough you’ll be exactly the same way

you doubt it but appreciate his confidence in you LOL

at the end of your first week, hongjoong offers to take you to lunch

he says your boss is paying for it because it is “team bonding” so you agree

what you didn’t know was that this team bonding would include hongjoong spilling ALL the tea in the office

he wasn’t gossiping in a cruel way, but he felt it was his duty, as your mentor, to give context on all the looks you were receiving

hongjoong finds it hilarious and adorable when you look at him with an absolutely shocked face

he just sits back while it sinks in for you, and, based on your reaction, hongjoong knows for sure that he finally has a friend in the office

he can tell that you won’t treat him like he’s different, which is a massive relief for him

so, from that day on, he makes it his mission to be both an amazing mentor AND a good friend

he stops by your desk for little check-ins and spends his breaks with you, whether sipping on coffee or walking around outside

hongjoong remembers everything you tell him about your life like he’s an incredible listener

you joke that it’s creepy he pays SO much attention to every detail you share and he says his resume didn’t say “detailed-oriented” for nothing

that is the moment you realize he is a complete dork LOL

speaking of dorky hongjoong

whenever he offers you a “cheer up!” or “you’ve got this!” it feels so much like a proud parent cheering on their child

he complains when you say this because “at least i should be an older brother but a DAD?!?!”

hongjoong is sulky but that goes away as soon as you buy him his favorite drink

you also changed his contact to “dad” but he doesn’t need to know that <3

he isn’t beating the dad/older brother allegations any time soon because he nags you once he gets comfortable with you

it’s always with a smile on his face and full of care

but he will nag you about keeping your desk clean, using better handwriting, making your presentations more stylistic, etc

like sorry when did he become a judge instead of a mentor ???

it’s okay though because he lets you return the favor by nagging him constantly <3

hongjoong pretends not to like it when you nag him, but it fills his heart because that means you’re comfortable with him too :,-)

it also adds to everyone’s jealousy because you two are CLEARLY close and hongjoong finds their envy ridiculous and hilarious

he definitely brags about how close you two are like he thinks you’re incredible and that everyone should be jealous they don’t know you like he does

somehow dating rumors start of course and when asked about it, you and hongjoong always reply with “wouldn’t you like to know”

hongjoong made you promise to give that answer because he thinks it’s fun to mess with everyone LMAO

he has so much fun with you that, to show his appreciation, hongjoong gets you a gift for your one-year anniversary at the company, including a handwritten note

he makes you promise not to open it while he’s with you because he doesn’t want either of you to feel awkward

later, once you read the note, you understand exactly why he requested this

the note starts with him praising your work ethic and improvement because he’s a proud mentor :,-)

at the end, he confesses that, before you started working there, he felt pretty isolated

it was like he was on an island or in a fish bowl, being watched from afar by everyone else

after that first lunch, and the many, many conversations you shared afterward, hongjoong finally felt like he belonged there

you made hongjoong feel like he belonged

that was something he was immensely grateful for, so he promised to pay you back by supporting you as a coworker and person, so you never felt like you were alone or an outsider

hongjoong tries to play it off the next time he sees you, but the sparkle in his eye when you thank him for being such a good colleague and friend reveals just how much he cherishes you in the workplace and beyond <333

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yvesdot · 9 months ago

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How To Get Roughly 50 Notes On An Original Writing Post And Possibly Net A Single Reader

I had someone ask today how I get people to click through and read my writing, and I'm realizing that I've never actually made a post all in one place of everything I do to get a new piece of short fiction off the ground... so here you go! How to get (some) eyes on your work, even if it is not published anywhere of interest and you don't have a marketing team behind you.

The #1 thing is presentation. You want to get people's attention, and once you have it, convince them to keep paying attention. Fortunately, people tend to be both reasonable and predictable, which means all you have to do is follow The Formula.

(original post link)

Here's the formula from the above post broken down:

[giant horizontal title card, preferably animated to catch the eye] OR [a few tasteful parallels, if you're good at parallel posts]

TITLE (linked to where you can read the piece) / wordcount

a quote that is representative of the tone, themes, prose style, and/or the "promise of the premise"

A longer pitch, featuring the overall subject of the piece (transsexual reality TV drama), any comp titles (Detransition, Baby), the main draw (in this case, watching trans people be awful to clueless cis people), major themes (performance), and any other promises you'd like to make (food romance and tigers). You can see that the quote I chose delivers on the promise of trans people intellectually outperforming cis people-- if I were a reader, I would be more likely to trust that the rest of the pitch was accurate based on that assurance.

If you have any positive reviews on your piece, say so. If it has won any awards or contests, say so. If your work has made people cry, Doja Cat - Say So. Always. Generally speaking, more personal and more detailed is better, but keep it to one or two people-- e.g. "when I gave this to my S/O to read he shot milk out of his nose so far I had to go clean under the couch" or "my favorite review of this piece is the reader who said they read it chapter-by-chapter under their covers because they wanted it all to themself." This should be one sentence.

Depending on where the story is published, what you usually promote, etc., it may be worthwhile saying the story is free. Use your judgment on whether the reader can tell.

I also like putting my links at the bottom so someone seeing this on a friend's dash can easily track me around the 'Net. They make me look more professional (I now include a link to my website) and they visually balance the post, in my opinion. This post also happened to have some additional links for bonus content.

This is not as high stakes as it seems. I'm not 100% happy with the pitch here, and I'm not 100% happy with the graphics I've used in other cases. These are some bones that help to sell the piece even when the details aren't as sharp.

REBLOGGING

When is the last time you read something the first time you saw it on your dash? I schedule reblogs of all important posts at least twice over the next 2-3 days, often three times so I can get the morning/afternoon/evening reblog. If your followers tend to be more active at certain times, go ahead and use those. In the past I've intentionally scheduled posts for times I knew more popular mutuals were active, and it has paid off!

I also schedule a reblog for a week and a month and sometimes even a full calendar year out, because I know there is going to be that person who tags the piece '#to read' and instantly forgets about it, only to get excited when they see it weeks later. I am very often that reader. The goal is to catch people when they're ready to read immediately, and this is a game of chance.

Every so often, I go through my entire #writing or #important writing updates or even just #popular tag(s) and queue two dozen posts before shuffling my queue to redistribute matters. This keeps my older work circulating, ensuring new readers get a chance to see older pieces and giving those older pieces another shot at dashboard space. (More on #popular later.) This sounds like a lot, which is why you have to space everything pretty far apart. Fortunately, this is the world's best site for cool things to reblog. I guarantee you that you can find something new you love to post in the meanwhile.

COPING WITH FAME

The post above is what I, a published author, consider "doing well" for a post about my writing on Tumblr. As of October 10th, 2024, over two years after its initial posting and over five years into my posting doggedly about my original fiction, it has 77 notes. More than half (43) are likes. Around half of the reblogs are me promoting my own work or the same very sweet person dutifully reblogging me every time I do so. Glancing through the reblogs now, I know of four people whom I can confirm have read it. Presumably, there are more who are completely silent and have never interacted with the post whatsoever. Genuinely: wahoo!! I am so grateful and happy for the attention and reception of my work.

This is the number one thing I suggest: focus on what you have, and not what you lack. Imagine your post from the perspective of an outsider: even one reblog means you convinced that one person to spread your art! How cool is that! This is also good advice because moping is simply not helpful; it will not get you more reads. (And no, neither will guilting others. Kill that vent post in your head!)

GETTING FOLLOWERS

I don't have that many followers. Of the followers I do have, people are very unpredictably active. When I hear about other people's follower counts I am consistently surprised, because people with half of mine will have fans and haters the likes of which I could not possibly dream of. I follow 500-follower folk who post "I ate a strawberry today" and get 6 asks ranging from "Wow I respect you so much for eating that strawberry" to "I'm going to come to your address at [REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED] and shove bananas down your throat for hating on my favorite fruit."

I point this out to establish three important things. 1) Be grateful for what you have (in my case, 0 anonymous hate asks about fruitpinions), 2) followers have far less impact on interaction than one might think, and 3) followers don't engage with the things you might like them to.

Think about yourself. Are you more likely to reblog a photo of a cat in a pumpkin (alright, here) or something advertising fifteen minutes' worth of writing, which could be, for all you know, bad? Or, for that matter, by a person you should not like to support? Reblogs on generically interesting things are 'safer' (unfortunately) than reblogs on art, and it makes perfect sense that people are skittish around the latter. People don't often reblog things they haven't read, and nobody can reblog every artpost on their dash. Having someone else put it there, however, is incredibly powerful—someone's vetted this post as Worth a Reblog, after all. Having more followers allows for much more of this.

(Followers don't guarantee any one sort of interaction, but having more of them is rarely bad. Rarely.)

Across my most popular posts, one theme becomes very obvious: people like things that apply to them or their blog. I try to post writing advice/opinions/memes every so often, because I know I have a loyal base of writerfolk who like to see that from me, and it's "easier" to reblog than my writing. This is simply the nature of the universe. I used to pretty frequently go into the #writeblr tag and check out what was recently popular so I could figure out how to serve the same base, and from time to time it worked.

You're welcome to examine the list of #writing posts that made it to 100 notes, because each tends to have a notable reason behind its success: a reblog with an exceptionally good review, a contest win, a wordcount that lends itself to pasting the whole thing in one go.

(Posts about my book's release are a notable exception, in part due to Blaze and in part due to my absolutely relentless flogging of their reblog buttons during the ~year of promotion. Also in large part to a dedicated circle of friends who passed the post around nonstop! Thank you so much!!)

A lot of people will tell you to attempt covert reciprocal promotion. You know—reblog a lot of stuff, in the hopes that people will reblog yours. If I could change one thing on Tumblr, it would be this: the culture that quietly encourages disingenously interacting with other people with a secret True Goal in mind. (On the autism website.)

Please, for the love of all that is good and holy, do not do this. If you comment on other people's work, do it because you're happy to do so. When I released Paper Tigress, I went through everybody else who responded to the same prompt and read their work, because I had the day off and I was curious. This has led to Paper Tigress having more comments on Reedsy than one of my contest winners, and even outranking the shortlisted story in the same prompt category. However, this would have been a waste of my time if I did not genuinely enjoy reading the other stories. I read 80+ stories, taking several hours, and gained 30 comments from the venture (half my comments are my responses).

Crucially, I do not promote other writers' work on Tumblr in the hopes of them reading or boosting mine. This is the #1 tip I see thrown around that I viscerally disagree with. While, again, I am grateful for engagement with my work regardless of the context, I do not want people suffering through my work in the hopes that I will promote them. I work a full-time job, and my reading calendar is perpetually overbooked, including with work by my absolute best of friends. Even if it wasn't, I think it would be quite insulting if I were posting works in the hopes that someone would choke it down like medicine. I post what I think is good so that people can read and enjoy it. If you are not enjoying it, I do not want you to feel as though you have to read it. My aim is to give to others what my favorite authors have given me, which is most certainly not A Bad Time Spent Being Dishonest In The Hopes Of Getting Something Back. You have better things to do with your time. Please be honest.

CONCLUSION

Realistically, the readers I have, I gained through being a published author for five years promoting my behind off on Tumblr, the least forgiving social media for promotion. People like it when you have a book they can buy, especially if it has Goodreads reviews that make it look like you have been vetted for them. Many people who follow me have read only Something's Not Right and nothing else. (Many people who follow me have read everything but Something's Not Right.) I have posted dozens of pieces on Tumblr and Wattpad (and AO3). I gained a small number of readers writing and posting fanfiction for the Locked Tomb Tri(?)logy, even though I marketed it absolutely terribly.

Just keep writing. Keep writing, keep posting, and keep making sure everyone who follows you knows you write. And keep writing because you want to. There's no better advice than that.

#writeblr #writeblr advice #writeblr tutorial #writeblr tips #writeblr community #writing advice #writers on tumblr #important writing updates #txt

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or0ch1maru · 1 year ago

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Valentines Day with the Akatsuki<3

18+, suggestive themes

•

Kakuzu:

Hates spending money, but will go broke simply on buying your gifts and taking you places during the day.

Will literally spoil you rotten. You’ll wake up to chocolates and other assorted gifts on the empty side of bed where he usually sleeps.

After a long day full of fun, just know this grouchy giant will D you down for the rest of the night. If you’re not wobbling by the end of it, it’ll be round after round until you can’t even remember your own name.

Hidan:

This man shows his love best through physical touch and sex so don’t be surprised when you’re woken up by his tongue between your folds.

In between all the sex he plans on having with you on this special day, he’ll make you breakfast in bed, and then take you out for a shopping spree in the nearby village.

If you try on clothes in a shop, just know you’ll barely make it outside to the alleyway behind the plaza, your shorts pulled down as he stuffs you full.

Itachi:

Sweet boy. Will have one of the members keep you busy for the first half of the day so he can decorate your shared room. Rose petals, balloons, candles, the whole works.

All the gifts he bought will be lined up on the bed in pretty red and pink bags with matching gift paper. A long and heart felt message written on the inside of a card will be placed neatly in front of one of the gifts.

To end the day, he’ll either cook you your favorite meal or take you out to your favorite restaurant to enjoy a nice meal.

Kisame:

Didn’t really understand the point of the holiday as he feels that everyday should be spent cherishing and loving your partner. Not just on a specific day.

So after speaking with Konan, he ran into town and bought the biggest bouquet of your favorite flowers, a case of chocolate, and a few other things that you’d pointed out to him prior.

The rest of the day would be spent wrapped in each others arms, watching movies and getting wine drunk while eating a hot, homemade dinner.

Deidara:

He’s so infatuated with you that he’d spend two weeks prior to v-day hand crafting pendants for jewelry and other little handmade gifts to give you.

Not only will your presents be hand made, so will your card. His somewhat sloppy script will cover the card front to back, explaining how much he loves you and how he wants to spend eternity by your side.

Deidara would order your favorite take out and take you on a picnic in a nearby flower field. Where when the night comes and the sky turns dark, he would send up some of his clay creations, lighting up the sky in pretty fireworks and explosions.

Sasori:

Just like Kisame, Sasori didn’t really get the whole craze about some dumb holiday. But, he wanted to spoil you nonetheless. So he told you to get dressed, which you gladly obliged.

The two of you visited a village nearby and had brunch before going to the theatre to watch a movie. After the film, he took you to your favorite shops, paying for anything and everything.

Sasori wouldn’t let you go the whole time, his hand wrapped securely around yours as you walked about. Planting soft smooches on your face as you enjoyed the day together.

Tobi:

For days before Valentine’s, he’d be so anxious, but in a good way of course. He had planned the whole day out weeks ago. Starting off by bringing you your favorite coffee and sweets for breakfast.

Repeating the same for lunch. It was after that, that he had you get all dolled up. Taking you into town for a museum date.

Good boy Tobi would finish the day with your favorite food, before stripping you of both your clothes. Buried deep in your cunt, as he whines and mutters about how much he loves you.

Zetsu:

Flowers. Everywhere. And I mean everywhere. He loves plants, and knows people gift their partners roses and such on this special day so what does he do? Buys a few different flower bouquets that end up littering your shared room. Bedside table? Yep. Bathroom counter? Best believe it.

Zetsu loves pampering you. He’d paint your nails to match his bright pink color. Sitting behind you as he brushes your hair. Applying your makeup for you if you wear any.

The two of you would take a long walk, enjoying the peace and crunch of the gravel under your shoes as you walk. Would find a nice place to sit near the water as you talked and shared a meal together.

Konan:

Just like Tobi, she’d have everything ready and prepared days ahead. Dinner reservations? Check. Nail salon date? Check. Making sure the book shop has that book you’ve been wanting in stock? Check.

After lunch in the village, it’s time for your nail appointment. The two of you sitting side by side as the nail techs paint and work on your nails. After paying, it’s time for the next stop. Konan would watch with a smile on her face when you pick up the book you wanted. Knowing she made sure the staff kept a copy specifically for you.

Konan would have rented out a private booth in your favorite restaurant. Keeping the entire area empty so you two would have your much loved privacy. Once the two of you have ordered your drinks is when she’d give you a heartfelt speech before dropping to her knee with a ring. Planting a deep kiss on your lips when you say yes.

Pain:

Would clear his schedule and make this a week long affair. Each day, you’d wake up to a new present or date planned. One day shopping, the next day, a movie. And so on.

On Valentine’s Day, he’d wake you up with soft kisses along your jawline before spending the whole day in bed. Watching your favorite movies and eating snacks. The room full of your shared laughter or screams if you watch horror movies.

Just like Tobi, he’d end the day covering your body in bite marks and hickeys. He’d take his time on you too, drawing out every orgasm, pulling moans and whimpers outta you into the early hours of the night.

•

Happy Valentine’s Day bbys🫶🏻 if no one’s told you today, you’re beautiful and I love you. Thank you for your continuous support for my writing. Here is a bouquet 💐 from me to you

#akatsuki #akatsuki members #konan headcanons #zetsu x reader #hidan headcanon #kakuzu headcanons #sasori akatsuki #akatsuki fluff #akatsuki smut #akatsuki headcanons #tobi headcanon #deidara headcanon #pain nagato #itachi fluff #kisame fluff

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wardenparker · 2 months ago

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The Unbearable Weight of Perfection, ch 11

Javi Gutierrez x female reader Co-written with @absurdthirst

When an accident of fate throws Javi G into the path of his soulmate, his instinct is to dive in head first. Adjusting to life as the fated partner of someone you barely know is going to be harder than either of you suspect, but anything worth having is worth working for. Isn't it?

(This story is heavily inspired by the lovely house museums that I work in every day and the fantastic few months that HBO was using our houses to film a TV show in fall! I spent each day on that set in wonder and I can't wait to share the experience with all of you through this story.)

Rating: M for Mature but this blog is always 18+ Word Count: 5.3k Warnings: *Blanket warnings for this story include: Cursing, alcohol, food, references to abusive family members -- i.e. Lucas, discussion of money/finances.* Big surprises, celeb name dropping, fluff and love. Summary: A big party holds a surprise for everyone involved. Notes: Apologies for the short chapter this week, loves. Keri had a particularly tough work week and I was in and out of the hospital multiple times with my husband. Everyone's okay now, but it's been an exhausting week.

Ch 1 ~ Ch 2 ~ Ch 3 ~ Ch 4 ~ Ch 5 ~ Ch 6 ~ Ch 7 ~ Ch 8 ~ Ch 9 ~ Ch 10

Saturday, September 13, 2025

“A wrap party at two in the afternoon?” Javi asks again, even though he knows the time just as well as you do. He’s just questioning the time, the attire, everything about the party Alex had decided to throw at his newly purchased home. “Housewarming and wrap party in one?” He poses, adjusting his shirt in the mirror as he waits to help you zip your dress up.

“It’s got to be an extra wrap party.” The official one was last night and everyone was out insanely late. So late that you and Javi had had breakfast soaking in the bathtub this morning to soothe your aching muscles as well as get clean. You’d danced practically until dawn. “I love this suit on you, amor.” The charcoal pinstripe with the contrasting soft blue dobby shirt underneath is a handsome pairing and by the magic of paying way too much attention, you had made the dress you’re wearing tonight out of a satin fabric that matches the blue of his shirt.

“I’m just surprised that Alex wants to throw a party.” He admits. “Although we were all surprised when he announced he bought a house. It was very…sudden.”

“Not so sudden.” You contend, nursing a growing smile. In the mirror of your shared bathroom, you and Javi get ready side by side like you always do when you go out. “He and Billie both wanted better places. I think it’s sweet. A big gesture for her.”

“I know, but still.” He adjusts his cufflinks, having decided to forgo the tie but still wear a little bit of bling. “He just snapped up the first house he toured.”

“Maybe they really liked it?” The earrings and necklace you have picked out were a gift from Javi, of course. Little pearl pieces that complement the soft look you’ve chosen perfectly. “Or maybe we only heard about this one because he chose it. There could have been others.”

Javi frowns slightly, biting his lip. “Would you have preferred we pick out a house together?” He asks. “Property. I mean, I already had this place.”

“Cariño, no! I love this place.” The structure of the house is built now, with the work crews now focusing on things inside and finessing the exterior. “We’re building a dream house. That’s extraordinary and I love it.”

“Okay.” You’ve turned to him, giving him your full attention and he takes your hands. “I just want you to be happy here.” He murmurs softly. “And if you’re happy, I’ll not say another word.”

“I’m extremely happy.” You promise him. “With you and our life and all of it.”

He smiles softly and reaches up to touch the necklace. “You look beautiful, amor.” He murmurs softly. “I am so lucky you are mine.”

“I love you too.” It’s just a sweet, little moment in the broad scheme of things, but Javi has a way of making even the small things seem enormous moving. It’s one of his many talents.

He smiles and leans in to peck his lips against yours, careful of your lipstick. He can kiss you more after the requisite photos. “Are we ready?”

“I think so.” The last thing left is to grab your purse, and that is on the dresser in your bedroom. “I’ll grab my purse and we’ll set the alarm on the way out. Easy peasy.”

“Easy peasy.” He grins. “But we have to get that machine we got them as a housewarming present.”

“It’s a pizza oven,” you remind him with a grin. “I wrapped it and put it by the door. We just have to grab it on the way out.”

“Pizza oven.” He nods. “That’s right. Alex liked ours.”

“Yup. He straight out threatened to steal it.” That particular dinner party had been a hell of a lot of fun. Alex and Billie and Jason and Moira had all come over to make personal pizzas and play poker. “So now he won’t have to.”

“That’s good.” He chuckles. “Now I just have to worry about him taking my money.” He had been surprisingly good. Not the best Javi’s played again, but he had a good poker face when he wasn’t stuffing his face with pizza and begging to bet the pizza oven.

“That’s why we don’t play poker every week,” you remind him, giggling as you swipe your purse off the dresser and follow him down the stairs. “Alex has enough money, he doesn’t need ours.”

“True.” Javi smirks. “And I’ll only play strip poker with you.”

“Damn right.” Javi is far better than you at poker but that doesn’t seem to matter to either of you. The fun part is what happens after one of you loses.

He chuckles, honestly wishing he had time to drag you back to the bedroom, but you had wanted to get there a little early to help out however you can.

“When we get home,” you hum, reading his mind purely because you’re thinking the exact same thing.

He winks, taking your hand and guiding you out of the bedroom towards the door. “My car or yours?”

“Yours.” He doesn’t let you pick up the large box, so you get the door and set the alarm behind you. “I don’t know if I’ll ever be good at driving in heels.”

“I’ll make sure the top is up so you don’t mess up your hair.” He promises.

“Thank you, baby.” It’s as simple as that, and within two minutes you’re pulling out of the garage and heading across town to Alex and Billie’s new home.

It’s different driving with the top up, but at least the conversation isn’t shouted over the wind. “There’s a lot of traffic today.” He hums, looking at the lines of cars. “Unusual for this area of town, right?”

“I don’t know,” you laugh, leaning against the window as he drives. “I think we usually spend Saturdays at home. Or at least we don’t go out until later. This could be totally normal and we have no idea.”

“Why would I want to go out when I have everything I need at home?” He asks, smirking slightly as he waits to turn.

“Because,” you laugh, poking his arm. “My husband likes to shop.”

He does, shrugging off that truth easily. You still have not completely gotten used to spending his money, but you’re better about it.

It’s sunny and warm today. Mid-September means it’s a touch dry but not dangerously so, and most people are still out and about in good spirits. The drive is short, and the gated community where Alex and Billie now live is bustling. The block is full of expensive cars and the people exiting them are all well dressed for the party they’ve been invited to. Most, like you, have brought some kind of host or housewarming gift, and many friends are amongst the group.

“Wow.” Javi is impressed when after giving your name to the security, you are motioned to a different line and guides towards a valet. “He went all out for this.” There’s a humongous white tent that is looming up over the tall fence, dominating the space.

“Big damn housewarming party,” you observe with a mix of awe and being very impressed.

“Yes it is.” Javi has been to a lot of parties and it’s got a lot of security for a housewarming.

You make it up to the front door is a steady stream of party guests, and find Alex there in his foyer shaking hands and giving out hugs. “Hey, you’re here!” He turns immediately when he sees you and clasps you and Javi both in a tight hug.

“We wouldn’t miss it for anything.” Javi promises, smiling at how he is dressed. A little fancier than he expected the party to be, even with the formal wear marked on the invite.

“Biggest and fanciest housewarming I’ve ever been to.”

“Well,” Alex shrugs and grins, giving you one more squeeze before he lets go. “We wanted to make an impression.”

“You have done that.” He promises, pulling you to his side again and smiling. “Everyone will be talking about your party.”

“The last party we had that everybody couldn’t stop talking about was your wedding,” he reminds you both with a wink.

“Yeah it was.” There’s something leading in that comment, but he doesn’t say anything. “Where is Billie?” He asks instead

'Upstairs." Alex beams at the mention of his soulmate's name. "She'll be down in a little bit. She just wants everything to be perfect."

“I’m sure it will be.” There’s something he’s not saying, but rather than being suspicious, Javi smiles. “Anything we can do?” He asks Alex. “Last minute party prep is always chaotic. My party planners were always frantic.”

“I think we’ve got everything under control.” Alex is beaming. He’s definitely not saying something, but he’s clearly having so much fun with his secret that neither you nor Javi wants to spoil it for him. “You guys can head out to the garden—” Billie loves calling it a garden so Alex is phasing yard out of his vocabulary, “and grab a drink. Everyone should be here soon.”

Javi nods and smiles as he guides you away. The clues are starting to click and he doesn’t want to voice what he thinks this might be in case he’s wrong. “A drink sounds good, don’t you think?”

“Absolutely.” It’s sort of an unspoken rule at this point that the booze is always good when it comes from Alex. He tends to do as campaigns for liquor companies most often than other things, which means he always has top shelf stuff.

“Wow, they really went all out.” Javi sees all the fresh flowers as you come out onto the patio that will serve as the open bar for the moment. The cocktail menu impressive. “What do you want to start with?”

"I'm feeling fancy, how about you?" When Javi nods, you ask the bartender for two of the blood orange French 75s on the cocktail list. It's a beautiful drink for a beautiful day, and you have your beautiful husband to boot.

“Wow.” Javi turns towards the tent. “Impressive.” He chuckles. “I would not want to be in charge of setting that up or taking it down.”

"They hired a company," you observe, looking around at waiters in all black carrying trays of things to nibble on. It's a bright and sunny day which means people are congregating in shaded areas. "Leave it to Alex to show off for a housewarming." The laugh in your voice is obvious as you walk through the party on Javi's arm. "I guess we're just going to have to step up our housewarming plans if this is what our friends are doing."

“Yeah?” Javi’s eyes sparkle with mischief. “We could blow this party out of the water.” He predicts.

"I know you want a big party," you laugh, nudging him. "We'll see how competitive we're feeling by the end of the night."

He chuckles, looking around and recognizing a lot of Alex’s former co-stars. “Look.” He murmurs. “Meryl is here.” He so wants her to be in his next movie.

“Holy shit.” It startled you out of whatever thought you were having when you following the direction he points his glass in. Across the lawn, Meryl Streep and a whole group of other Hollywood A-listers are laughing and chatting. “I guess I…forget how famous you and Alex actually are? That you…you know her?”

“I’m trying to convincer the studio to budget for her to be in the next movie.” He admits with a small smile, nodding.

“In—” your eyes widen. “In the movie you’re writing…about me?”

“Yeah.” His grin gets a little wider. “Want her to play the older version of you and Mamie to play you at the age you are now.”

“Oh sure, because that is the simplest casting in the world,” you huff, because Javi’s ideas are nothing if not grandiose. “Let’s just get Louisa Jacobson to play the character as a teenager while we’re at it.”

“Does she look like Meryl?” Javi asks seriously, not recalling the name straight away.

“That’s one of her daughters,” you grin and squeeze his arm. “She’s on that period drama I like.”

“Ohhhhhh.” Nods immediately. “Then yes. We should. It would be fitting. I will talk to the producers.”

“You already have producers?” You knew he’d talked to someone, but this is the first time you’re hearing any kind of confirmation on that front.

“I sent a few pages over to my agent and it was passed on.” He admits, shrugging slightly. “They have the option on it for the next three months before it’s finished.” He didn’t understand that part of the deal, but apparently they paid him a lot of money for the idea of him finishing the script and being able to shoot it.

That makes a hell of a lot more sense to you than someone jumping at a screenplay inspired by your life, and you nod. “We should still say hello to your friends,” you encourage, not wanting him to be blue.

“We can talk to them later.” He promises with a grin. “Unless you want introductions?” His eyes sparkling with mischief and he winks at you.

"I'm too nervous now," you admit, and if you were holding something larger that a champagne flute you might eve duck behind it to hide.

“Then let’s find Jason and Moira.” He suggests, knowing your best friend will ground you and keep you from bouncing off the walls when you realize that Elton John and his husband, David are also walking into the garden.

Characteristically for Moira and Jason, you find them over by a corner where they can survey the whole party. Being the most introverted pair in your friend group, they like to take stock of things before diving in, and you can practically see the relief light up Moira's face when she catches sight of you.

“I thought this was supposed to be a small party!” She hisses, dragging you closer and whispering frantically. “Elton John does not attend small parties!”

"I think," you giggle, hugging her tight, "we've been fuckin' lied to. This is not small in any way."

“No is not.” She huffs, pulling back and grinning at you. “You look beautiful. Is this the dress you’ve been telling me about?”

"What do you think?" It had taken ages to work on because of the oversized folds and pleats, but you finally got the off-the-shoulder beauty to cooperate a few days ago and you give a little twirl for your best friend now. "Do you want one, too? It's so comfy."

“I think it’s gorgeous.” She admits, her fingers touching the dress carefully, as if you had made it from spun gold. “It looks like something you would see on a fashion runway.”

“Flatterer.” And yet you’re beaming. Because something you made with your own two hands, designed from your own pencil and paper, out of your own mind, really does feel exceptional. “I’ll make yours in pink,” you promise her, best your best friend is nothing if not loyal to her favorite color.

“Oh please?” Her eyes brighten and she looks over at her soulmate with nothing but pure adoration. “Jason likes pink too.”

“Pink it is.” You promise, knowing how absolutely perfect it will look on her. Jason will lose his mind.

“You just have to let me pay you.” She chides, wagging her finger at you playfully.

“Never.” And on that point, you stand firm. “One day when it’s a business? Maybe. But for now these are gifts.”

She huffs, glowering at you slightly. “At least let me buy the material?” She asks.

“Fine,” you roll your eyes like it’s a trial but still grin. “You can buy the material for this one.”

“Yay!” She claps her hands together, aware that this is a major victory for you. “We can go shopping soon?” She asks. “If - and it’s a big if - it’s done in time, maybe I can wear it to the premier!”

“I can absolutely have it done for the premiere.” You beam at that suggestion, loving the idea. At this point you’re now making four dresses and two suits so that’s probably all you can manage for one event, but you’re thrilled to do it.

“Are you sure?” She sends you a worried look. “I don’t want you to be stressed out.”

“I’m okay,” you promise. “Compares to what I’m making for myself and for Tamara, this pattern is pretty easy.” And in point of fact? It’s a beautiful feeling to have so many people so eager to wear clothing that you have designed. It feels incredible.

“You know it’s so amazing you are making practically the entire cast’s wardrobe for the red carpet, right?”

“It’s not a big deal.” Even as you say it, it feels like sort of a lie. The best you have is hoping that everyone likes the clothes that you make for them. As long as your friends are happy you couldn’t care less what critics say.

“It’s a very big deal.” She argues. “And you are allowed to be excited about it.”

"Hi everyone!" Alex's voice comes through a speaker system planted around the backyard loud and crystal clear. "Sorry to interrupt everyone's good time, but I'd like to thank you all for coming before we get down to the fun stuff."

“So, thank you.” Everyone has turned towards him and he is about to burst, he is so excited. “Now, the tent is open, if you could please enter and find a seat.” He claps his hands together. “We should get started in about ten minutes.”

There is a little bit of noise and chatter as the confused guests try to guess what could be starting, but since it’s a Hollywood party they’re mostly guessing what could be screened tonight. Maybe Alex has a secret passion project he’s been working on? Who knows.

There are men in resplendent suits, drawing back the flaps of the overly large tent. A big reveal that is as dramatic as it is romantic. To reveal rows of chairs and an aisle leading to a small platform. “Oh god.” It strikes Javi just as soon as he sees it, before the small string orchestra even starts to play.

“Oh…” You grab his hand just a second later, surveying the inside of the enormous tent with wide eyes.

Aisles of wooden chairs are marked with hanging baskets of greenery and large white blossoms. A green carpet runs down the middle aisle and the small platform is framed by the small beautiful green and white florals, and winking fairy lights accent the eaves of the tent’s peaks with elegance.

“Oh my God…” Moira’s hand flies to her chest and water to her eyes. “They’re—?”

“They’re getting married!” You whisper in awe.

“Hey kiddo.”

The soft hum of a deep voice sounds behind you and you whirl around to find your uncle standing there proudly. “Uncle Rick!”

He scoops you up in a hug but motions toward the house. “She asked me to come get you once the announcement was made.”

Javi kisses your hand. “Go.” He urges you. “We will find seats up front.” He promises, aware that you will probably be a little nervous standing beside her, but this is wonderfully gorgeous.

"Te amo." You kiss him quickly before heading off to follow your uncle, thrilled to see him again after ages and ages and under such surprising circumstances.

Billie blows out a breath, nervous and so excited that she can’t keep still as she paces around the guest bedroom that she had turned into her bridal suite. “You look so beautiful.” Her mother coos softly, trying not to make her mascara run again.

"This is the craziest idea we ever could have had." She laughs, pacing again. She hits the end of the room and turns again, and at least this time she's facing her mother. "I'm so excited but it's also completely crazy."

“It’s perfect for the two of you.” She might not have spent much time with Alex Powell, but she knows that they are crazy about each other. He balanced her baby girl out and protects her without crushing those fairy wings she’s had all her life.

"Bills, I swear to god!" You come barreling into the room with your uncle on your heels, but it's all for show. You well up the second you see her shining, gorgeous face, and outright sob a second later.

Your cousin is getting married today and she's wearing the beautiful white peasant dress that she begged you to make for her. The bell-sleeved, Steve Nicks inspired, lacy fairy goddess dress. One of the pieces you're most proud of in your whole life, and she's going to get married in it.

“I know, I know, I couldn’t tell you!” She launches forward to crush you into a hug while she laughs and cries all at the same time. Thank God Alex’s makeup artist had insisted on waterproof eye liner and mascara. “It’s okay, right? That I’m wearing it to get married?”

"Of course it is! It's--it's-- I'm honored and flattered and I'm so happy for you and thank fuck for waterproof makeup!" Both of you are trying so hard not to cry but you know it won't last. Instead you just cling to each other and laugh breathlessly. "You look like a fairy princess." That is the highest commendation you can possible give and you mean it with all your heart.

“That’s what I was going for.” She admits shamelessly. “And the dress- it’s- it’s better than I could have ever imagined.” She admits, stepping back and once again picking up the skirt to twirl around. “It’s like you took my vision and made it better.”

"Has he seen you yet?" She twirls for you and shakes her head and you giggle unabashedly. "He's going to lose his mind, Bils. You look incredible."

“How does he look?” Her eyes go soft and dreamy. Since that night at the hospital, nothing has bothered her at all. At least not where her soulmate is concerned.

Her love is so obvious, worn entirely on her sleeve, and you grin. "Like Cary Grant."

“Cary Grant.” She melts a little and sighs softly. “He perfect, absolutely perfect.”

"Your dad said you wanted me?" You prompt gently. "How can I help, honey? Absolutely anything. The answer is yes."

“Be my maid of honor?” She asks softly, reaching for the bouquet she had made for you to carry.

You basically squeak in response, the two of you squealing and giggling through watery eyes and stuck throats as you throw your arms around each other and share a squeezing tight hug. "Of course I will, honey!"

“I am so glad that you are here.” She manages. “Even though it’s only because of you that I even met Alex!”

"I wouldn't miss this for the world," you promise her. "I'm so glad you found him, honey. And I'm so excited for you to get married today."

She takes a deep breath. “And I’m sorry we didn’t tell you.” She apologizes softly. “We wanted it to be a surprise and Alex didn’t want the press to get wind by accident. Even our event planner’s staff had to sign NDA’s.”

“No apologies necessary. It’s a gorgeous surprise.” As long as she’s happy with how the day goes, you’re happy. And Billie is absolutely ecstatic.

“I wanted this to be perfect and it seems like it is.” She gushes, biting her lip. “We are going to wait to honeymoon, because of the reshoots and ADR stuff for the movie.”

“I think all of us are waiting.” You grin and give her a squeeze. Jason and Moira’s Chicago wedding at his parent’s house is already set and planned for after the premiere, and they have been talking about setting off for somewhere warm after. Santorini or the Azores, knowing Moira. “We’ll have the premiere, all take our honeymoons, and come back to LA just in time for the house to be finished.”

“That’s so exciting.” She turns back to check her reflection one last time. “I’m ready.” She tells you and her mother.

“I’ll go let them know.” Aunt Kay kisses her daughter’s cheeks, beaming as she tries not to cry again. “I’m so proud of you, baby,” she whispers before gliding out the door. She’ll be the one to start things up in the tent, giving you and Billie and Uncle Rick time to get in position downstairs.

Billie turns to you, smiling softly. “Just so you know, mom wants to have a reception for both of us.” She warns. “Her ‘girls need to be celebrated’.” She repeats what your aunt had said. “Because she didn’t get to celebrate with you the first time.”

“I wish I’d known you were here.” You squeeze Billie’s hand before you let her go so she can move back to her father’s side to head downstairs. “We’ll have a family party. All of us together.” Everyone who matters, anyway. Everyone who shares love and support for each other.

“Absolutely.” She agrees, understanding that you don’t want to talk about your mother. “Okay, so I want you to go in ahead of me, obviously.” She tells you as the three of you walk down the hall towards the stairs.

“Does Alex have a best man for me to walk with?” You ask, thanking your past self for your good planning — this dress has pockets and you slip your slim clutch away into the hidden compartment so you can more easily carry the flowers she has handed you.

“His brother is going to be standing beside him, but we decided that you should walk by yourself?” There’s a question in her tone. “Since you are married.”

“Whatever you want,” you promise her. You’d walk with all four of Alex’s brothers if that is what they wanted you to do. As long as it makes them happy.

“I honestly just wanted something simple.” She admits with a grin. “It’s elaborate because of Alex, but he knew exactly what I wanted.”

“We have soulmates with big hearts and big dreams,” you remind your cousin at the bottom of the stairs. “Thankfully we both like having sweet puppy-dog men in our lives.”

“They are perfect for us.” She smiles softly, “even if we didn’t know it at first.” On the outside, she and Alex, you and Javier could not appear more different. However, you mesh so well together, it’s hard to imagine life without the other half of your being.

The ceremony is perfect. Heartfelt words and smatterings of laughter are punctuated with tears, just like a wedding should be. Most of the guests are so shocked at the turn of events that they either sit in awe or cheer raucously, and when Alex's pastor father pronounces them man and wife the applause is unmatched in its joy.

Billie is glowing, her smile wider and brighter than the sun’s rays as she turns to the crowd and lifts her bouquet up.

There are enough young, unmarried, excited guests to amass a crowd, and that crowd is making a hell of a lot of noise as Billie playfully takes aim over their heads. Jason encourages Moira into the mix even though they already have a plan, because he loves to see the giddy grin on her face. Alex's youngest brother's girlfriend joins the fray. There are even a few celebrities you recognize amongst the group. It makes it all the more entertaining when Billie lets her beautiful white and green bouquet fly and the fracas of guests goes wild.

Javi laughs as one of the girls gets tackled in the attempt to catch the bouquet and lets out a wail when she realizes that the greenery isn’t in her hands. He winks at you when you glance at him from your position at the altar.

If it had been you down there putting stock in the superstition, you would have been just as upset not to come out victorious. As it stands, you follow Billie and Alex up aisle with Alex's brother trailing behind you, and step out again into the bright sunlight with you cousin and brand new cousin-in-law.

“You are my favorite person in the world beside my bride, right now.” Alex turns towards you and folds you into a tight hug. “You brought me my soulmate.”

"I will happily take second place," you laugh, returning the hug full force. "Welcome to the family, bud. We're glad to have you."

“Thank you.” He whispers softly. Family is all he really cares about, even his career is second place. He’s become successful despite putting his family first and now that extends to you and Javi.

"You've got the best girl in the whole world." Giving him one more squeeze, you step back to let Alex and Billie come together again. "I hope you know that."

“Without a singular doubt.” He promises, wrapping his hand around her waist and dropping another proud kiss on her lips. “Now we just need to take a million photos.” He teases her with a wink. “For the kids.”

"Always for the children," you laugh.

"Always," Billie agrees, before she looks back at you. She really is beaming so much brighter than the sun. "Do you want to go and grab Javi? He belongs in the family photos, too."

“I’m right here.” Javi steps forward, having been talking with your aunt and uncle as they made their way out of the tent. The other guests have been guided towards the charcuterie buffet for the cocktail hour while family photos are taken.

"Mi amor." In the unexpected light of another wedding, you move to his side like a magnet. "What do you say? Come and take some photos with us?"

“Absolutely.” He smiles as he reaches out to shake Alex’s hand. “Cousin.” He hums with a chuckle. “I was shocked to find out what this day was, but I’m happy for you both.”

"We didn't want everyone to make a fuss about it." Alex beams, waving everyone over to a separate part of the garden with a particularly beautiful little copse of trees. "We wanted to have a party with everyone we love. We make the fuss, and you all just arrive."

“It was perfect.” Javi assures him. “Now we will make sure that it’s a party everyone will remember for the rest of their lives.”

"I couldn’t agree more." Alex grins, lays another kiss on top of Billie's head, and lets the photographer take over. His family and Billie's family amount to a sizable number of people when all is said and done, and it really does take the better part of an hour before you're all ready to rejoin the rest of the guests. Thankfully, the beautiful fruit trees on their new property provide the perfect backdrop for pictures.

“Can we have one more photo?” Billie asks, turning back to you and Javi. “Just us, and you two?” She asks softly. “I promise this is the last one.”

You tut, doing exactly as she says and moving back into place with Javi at your side. "You can have as many as you want, honey. It's your wedding day."

A few snaps of the photographer’s camera gets the exactly shot that Billie wants. Something that she will frame and keep on the wall as a favorite wedding memory. The people responsible for bringing her the soulmate she was worried she would never meet, beaming together on the perfect day.

------ Master Tags: @pixiedurango @chattychell @winter-fox-queen @lady-himbo @artsymaddie @princess76179 @paintballkid711 @missminkylove @pedrosbrat @ew-erin @sarahjkl82-blog @sharkbait77 @justanotherblonde23 @lv7867 @recklesswit @mylittlesenaar @f0rever15elf @gallowsjoker @steeevienicks @athalien @sherala007 @skvatnavle @thatpinkshirt @jaime1110 @girlimjusttryingtoreadfanfics @goodgriefitsawildworld @greeneyedblondie44 @littlemousedroid @harriedandharassed @churchill356 @ajathegreats-blog @haylzcyon @beardsanddetectives @kirsteng42 @ladykatakuri @adancedivasmom @madiebear @tanzthompson @emilianamason @bigsdinger @xocalliexo @pedr0swh0r3 @avaleineandafryingpan @charlyrmv @avidreader73 @iceclaw101 @loveslide @elegantduckturtle @becsworld @julesonrecord @its-nebuleuse @itsrubberbisquit @mikeyswifie @guelyury @lizzie-cakes @for-a-longlongtime @vabeachazn @purplerain04 @weho2kcmo @madnessofadaydreamer

TUWOP: @inept-the-magnificent @missladym1981 @sunnytuliptime @iamladyp @spishsstuff @famouslyanonymous

#Pedro Pascal #Pedro Pascal character fanfiction #Pedro Pascal fanfic #Javi Gutierrez #Javi Gutierrez x you #Javi Gutierrez x reader #Javi Gutierrez x female reader #Javi Gutierrez x f!reader #Javi G #TUWOMT #the unbearable weight of massive talent #soulmate au

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ilyuan · 2 years ago

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.. EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT I’M A GOOD GIRL, OFFICER !

◟⪩⪨ summary ! after finally capturing you and visiting your dorm for what seemed like eternity now, he’s realizing that he’s in love with you ; basically just a short fic of wrio being a sweetheart ^^

◟⪩⪨ warnings ! gn! reader, the title is just a reference to a song dw, wriothesley being confusing, he changes your clothes lol, fluff, no use of y/n except for once, very self indulgent, i think that’s all lmk if i missed anything <3

minutes turned into hours and hours turned into days, days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months.

that was the absurd amount of time that took wriothesley to finally lock you up.

but here he was, oblivious to your moves and acts, hiding your facade with a gentle smile, which is the reason why almost everyone in the fortress claimed that you were one of the nicest criminals here.

it was almost as if you didn’t do anything wrong at all.

tonight, the dark vibrancy of the clouds near its nightly leave, the stars beginning to take over the sky’s surface.

here he was, sitting next to you on the rough surface of the so-called “bed” that you were sleeping in, when in reality this “bed” was made of full on metal!

“how do you manage to sleep like this?” he suddenly begins.

hmm… maybe because you can’t sleep anywhere else?

“i don’t know, i used to be known for being a heavy sleeper, no matter the area.”

“so you can just flat out sleep on the grass?”

“okay, maybe not.”

he chuckled.

so that’s why everyone’s so fond of you, your gentle facade and your beautiful laughter that could be the number one thing that would top a movie off if you were in it.

as the days passed by into more interesting days that suddenly had you more motivation to even do things in the fortress, wriothesley began to notice how less awkward you were being with him, and how you weren’t as shy and hesitant as you used to be.

as soon as fun things start, they end too quickly, as well.

furthermore, some things can go bad, just like how fruits can go rotten as soon as they’re not taken care of as much.

because knowing wriothesley, he was practically the top one procrastinator in the world.

in this situation, wriothesley wasn’t really doing his job on checking up on you unless he hasn’t been seeing you in sight almost every where. sometimes, as much as he didn’t want to, every time you were not in sight near your dorm, he usually got nervous and began to scold you.

…and he instantly did what he had to do.

“where were you?” he asked in a what seemed like an aggravated tone.

“relax, i was playing in the pankration ring earlier after i grabbed food.” you replied, there you were again, acting as if everything was okay when you almost gagged and vomited at the purple appearance of the food you were served, which you practically had to gulp down in one go, if you were that hungry atleast.

and of course, there were times when wriothesley just randomly decided to be the confusing man he is and instantly switch up just to flirt with you.

he was one to make sure that you believed that he had a little something in his slightly cold heart for you.

“you still do that?” he chuckles “that’s cute.”

“what?”

…

“wanna go out today?”

…confusing guy.

you never even hesitated to say yes to him whenever he offered to take you somewhere out of the rancid mess of the fortress.

he only ever rarely did this, though.

after your little “appointment” that you had with him, you felt like you were rejuvenated once again.

but why does it still feel like wriothesley’s eyes were on you the entire time rather than just paying attention to what you two were buying in this absurdly small shop?

don’t think too much of it, though. all he wants to do is commit for his wrongdoings for you, after all.

as much as he knows how confusing he can be, he knows who you are.

he knows that you prefer cream cheese over butter, he knows that you don’t like matcha flavored tea, and he almost knows that your whole gentle facade is just an act for him to like you.

and it’s all just an act to be one of the nicest criminals in the fortress, too.

but who was he to care, when all he wanted to do was take care of you?

…and he only ever took you out to show you his empathy for you.

why can’t you just realize he’s in love with you?

on the final day, your release.

“wriothesley!” you yelp out, feeling his frozen hands pull off your dirty prison uniform’s shirt.

“what? i do this with everyone, you’re not special, sweetheart.”

now that was clearly a lie. you were the only one he had fully taken care of like this. after all, he cared for you like you weren’t even a criminal in the first place, that you didn’t even do anything wrong in the first place.

…

sigh.

“wrio.”

“i don’t wanna leave this place if it means i’m leaving you here, without me!” you frowned.

he fully knows who you are now.

that whole gentle facade you always put on quickly faded away as soon as your ego went soaring through the roof when you implied that he couldn’t live without you.

that’s the y/n he wants to see.

he chuckles.

finally.

his fingers shaking in anticipation as he clothed you into the outfit he bought for you last night when you were sleeping, he leans up to place his lips on yours.

“you won’t. i won’t leave you.”

@sugarmouchie - do not copy/translate/repost my works on other platforms. 🤍

#wriothesley fluff #wriothesley x reader #valentine’s works 🎀#wriothesley #wriothesley x you #genshin impact x you #genshin x reader #genshin impact x reader #genshin impact fluff #genshin fluff

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soobieedoo · 9 months ago

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Formula of Love CH. 17 - the performance (written)

word count: 1,280

7:35 pm

you were nervous.

you loved yunjin but god did you wish that you were just back in your room right now, on your bed, reading some kind of book.

you’re trying to briefly study before watching the performance, but you just can’t seem to focus.

it’s not that you didn’t want to support yunjin, no! again you loved yunjin so much you wouldn’t miss her first ever performance. it’s just why of all people did lee donghyuck have to be there too?

you’ve been getting along with him but this scene feels so unfamiliar, you can’t help but think there’s so many things you didn’t get to find out about him.

you’ve been feeling weird for the past few days, he of course has not lost his charm and honestly? its scary. as much as you want to be his friend, you can’t forget the shared experience you had together. yes, it was only a couple of weeks, a few phone calls and text conversations that lasted way late into the night. but the fact that he wormed his way into your heart super fast…weird. and well just when you thought you’d taken care of your only distraction, here he comes into your life again doing what he does best…distracting you.

7:50 pm

“taeyong i refuse to believe you do NOT have ANY croissants in there! you make them everyday don’t you?”

you look up from your laptop hearing a familiar voice, you see choi beomgyu seething in front of lee taeyong (the cafe manager).

“beomgyu for the last time, i did NOT make any today. please help yourself to any other pastries we have here.” you feel bad for taeyong, choi beomgyu angry is not a pretty sight. you decide to get up and handle the situation.

“beomgyu please leave taeyong alone” you grab his arm to try and pull him away.

“Y/N NO come on taeyong i’m a paying customer let me have some croissants please please please please” you feel embarrassed, everyone is STARING.

“here” all of a sudden a plate of croissants lands in front of beomgyu’s face.

“THANK YOU RANDOM STRAN-” beomgyu suddenly gasps and you look to see who gave the croissants.

“OH NOT RANDOM STRANGER MY BAD”

it’s donghyuck…with a plate full of croissants.

beomgyu takes the entire plate from donghyuck and runs to sit at your table.

“woah” donghyuck stands there wide eyed. i guess there goes his croissants.

you turn to donghyuck “how did you get croissants? i thought taeyong didn’t make any today?”

“taeyong let’s me help out from time to time, i saved some to snack on cause he said he wouldn’t be displaying it today but..”

“oh! holy shit im so sorry about him wait let me go get the plate back-“ you try to fast walk your way to beomgyu before he eats all the croissants when donghyuck grabs your wrist to stop you.

“nono its okay, i can have them anytime. you and your friend enjoy some while watching the perfomance okay?” you look down at where he holds your wrist, he follows your line of sight and he suddenly lets go and stretches his arm to scratch his neck “i should go with the rest of the group and warm up, thanks for coming today y/n i hope you enjoy the show” he smiles at you and begins to walk away.

8:00 pm

“y/n seriously if you don’t want him i’ll take him” you glare at beomgyu from across the table.

“you. are. embarrassing.”

“y/n he OFFERED why wouldn’t i take it?”

“normal people would only take one if someone offered them food, you took the WHOLE plate! do you have no shame?” you stare at him. beomgyu has already finished 3/5 croissants on the plate.

“y/n. you already know i’m far from normal. are you really questioning this? why would he put the entire plate in front of my face like that if he didn’t want me to take the whole thing?”

“you are unbelievable.” you try to grab a croissant but he slaps your hand away. greedy asshole.

“how on earth did you get croissants??” hanbin finally shows up alongside giselle after picking up the flowers you ordered for yunjin.

“y/n’s boyfriend gave me some- OW” you flick his forehead.

“donghyuck? he gave you croissants?”

“yes he did! he gave me an entire plate. i know why y/n likes him so much now”

before you could argue, the lights dim and soft guitar sounds start to play.

donghyuck’s voice resonates throughout the entire place.

wow. you are completely in awe…how has he never mentioned that he can sing?

i guess you should’ve known, he was always humming during calls, or more recently he keeps humming in the clinic.

you’re completely mesmerized by his honey voice that you don’t even realize their performance is over until you hear beomgyu’s loud ass clapping beside you.

you hear mark say thank you to the audience before the group exits the stage and yunjin comes to your table. you hug her congratulating her on her first performance. beomgyu even gives her his last croissant.

as your group falls into conversation you feel a tap on your shoulder and you turn around and see donghyuck standing there smiling at you.

“hey! good job on stage today you were amazing!”

“oh thanks! it’s really nothing” you notice his cheeks start to turn red.

“nothing?!?! donghyuck i’m pretty sure the entire audience was in awe of your voice. if i had a voice like that i honestly would not shut up” he smiles at your compliment.

“does that include you?”

“huh?”

“in awe…of my voice” he smirks. you can tell he’s teasing you but two can play at that game.

“yeah i was actually”

his smirk suddenly goes away, a shocked look on his face. he was NOT expecting you to play along…i mean you never did.

“what? it’s true, you’re amazing hyuck. you should be proud of yourself!”

“thanks y/n, that really means a lot” donghyuck can feel his heart beating. god, you make him crazy….

suddenly he hears jaemin loudly calling out his name in the middle of the cafe breaking the moment between you two.

“oof that sounds like its important. i should go, my friends want to get some food. again, you did great today hyuck! see you around?”

“yeah of course! i’ll see you”

he can’t even focus on his steps and trips on a chair on the way to his friends.

“oh my god are you okay???” you yell out to him.

“i’m fine i’m fine! have a good rest of your day y/n!” he quickly waves at you before speed walking away to his friends

“have a good day?? its 9pm at night lee donghyuck jesus.” he’s silently cursing jaemin in his head, this is all because of na jaemin’s loud ass voice calling him out like a dog in the cafe.

“yikes that was a mess.” speak of the devil.

“why were you yelling my name in a cafe full of people?!”

“because i’m hungry??? the guys insisted on waiting on you but your ass was taking so long! you took like 10 minutes only for you to embarrass yourself!”

“i did not!”

“that loud ass noise was you falling no?”

before he can strangle jaemin, mark quickly butts in.

“alright alright break it up! lets go! aren’t you guys hungry?”

during dinner, haechan is silent. he tries to focus on his friends’ conversations but honestly? despite chenle’s yelling and mark’s consistent rambling, he can’t even hear any of it. the only thing on his mind right now, is you.

note: another written chapter!! rlly love flustered and down bad haechan but i also rlly love him teasing 😭 but he’s not gonna know what hit him once y/n gets confident enough to fire back 🤭🤭

taglist: @bloomyroses @lionzyon @ourbeautifulaffair @yewshi @injunnie-lemon @nessaassen02 @dudekiss3r @jianreadsaus @haechsworld @catpjimin @onlyhyunjin @stqrgr7 @thegracerammy

masterlist | previous | next 𐙚˙✧˖

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feyascorner · 1 year ago

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suggestion for a funny but fluff fic or miniseries: Modern day Baldurs gate /faerun, were Ascended Astarion and GN Consort reader have lived a couple of centuries together and are still acting like newlyweds / deeply in love and just obsessed with each other. (but also dress gothic/victorian or like they don't belong in the current timeline.)

Would be funny if its written from the perspective of a new servant or a party guest- Maybe they mess up using medieval words when trying to describe modern things and the POV person is not aware they are vampires.

idk Dracula investigator reporter style- Thoughts?

anon you're such a genius for this1!!! THIS WAS SO FUN TO WRITE UGH I TWEAKED IT A BIT THOUGH W THE PERSPECTIVE PART I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND <33 (also this is not proofread)

A ball in this day and age is uncommon.

At first, Alfira was skeptical. Especially considering the party's hosts were famous for being---a rather eccentric couple. Inviting but strange at times. Dressing in garbs similar to the pictures Alfira has of her great great great grandmother, it was natural that they'd stick out like sore thumbs in high society. But with the pay proposed to her, Alfira could dare not decline playing her instrument at the party. Even more so when she realized how exclusive the party really was.

She'd been invited to stay at their obnoxiously large mansion alongside the other servants for the week preceding the event, and while the sensible decision would be to practice her piece, her naturally curious nature got the better of her. And now, she hides an entire notebook under her pillow regarding all the peculiar things about the couple.

'No. 1: They rarely show their face during the daytime. Perhaps they simply don't want to expose their skin without a concerning amount of sunscreen? Everyone online raves about how bad the sun is for your skin nowadays.

No. 2: The kitchen is completely off-limits to everyone but the head chef. It reeks anytime I go near it, so I don't mind.

No. 3: He calls them their consort. Weird. Is that considered affectionate with rich people?

No. 4: We're not allowed to take our mirrors outside of our rooms. This one I really don't understand.'

The list goes on for ages.

Alfira's observations are ones done from across rows of other recruits or servants, given how rare of an occasion it is to see either of them. Though, she's noted that where one is, the other isn't far away. They're practically attached at the hip, and even if she's a complete outsider, it's easy to tell how smitten they are for one another.

And with how well she was being treated (the food and rooms alike) under their care, Alfira began to feel a sort of guilt for suspecting so much. They surely didn't deserve such obsessive note-taking when all she could see was the way Astarion pecked your forehead before lending you his arm, only gentle laughter ringing in the air.

Perhaps the two of you were truly just a happy couple. A strange one, sure, but happy.

The day of the event comes in no time. Despite the lack of preparation, Alfira manages to play her main musical piece with minimal slip-ups, and continues to leisurely play as she watches all the wealthy guests. The ballroom bustles with people, and because she knows that she isn't acquainted with anyone here, her eyes are naturally drawn to a crowd in the center of the room where you and Astarion are greeting the guests. As usual, your arm is locked tightly with his.

In a room full of dresses and suits, the two of you still somehow manage to stick out. The intricate designs on your attire aren't all to blame, because Alfira swears she sees a sort of aura around the two of you.

It must be a trick of the light, though, surely.

When Alfira and the other musical hires begin to play a slow dance song, you eagerly pull your partner to the dance floor. The dance comes to easily to the two of you, eyes so loving as they're set on one another that Alfira nearly feels jealous. The other single guests seem to feel the same way as Astarion leans into your ear and grins with a whisper.

Alfira squints.

'No. 32,' she notes in her head. 'He has sharp teeth.'

Once the dance is over, she thinks her hand may very nearly fall off. But when she sees you and your partner approaching in her direction, the pain is immediately forgotten as she straightens her back, eyes wide when you offer her a smile.

"Alfira, right?"

"Y-yes! That's me."

"I apologize I couldn't greet you sooner," you place your free hand on Astarion's arm. "We were so swept up in the preparations we didn't get to welcome the truly important guests."

Alfira blinks. A guest? She's not a guest.

You huff. "You really do look just as I remembered you to be! Right, Astarion?"

"I don't particularly remember the bard from then to be frank, my love," he responds, as if Alfira isn't standing right in front of them.

'No. 33,' she notes again. 'He's kind of a jerk to anyone else.'

But more importantly, a bard? She's a musician! Not merely a wandering bar entertainer with a bloody lute and a corset to go along with it. It's even stranger that you seem so familiar with her, even though she's only first talking to you right now. Is she finally losing it?

"Sorry, have we met before?" Alfira blurts.

"Ah," you laugh. "Apologies for my informality. We have, but I doubt you'd remember."

What does that mean?

"Although it pains me to tear you away from such a fascinating conversation, my love, we should greet the others," Astarion chips in, and Alfira inwardly sighs in relief. "Good day, bard."

That damn word again--

As Astarion leads you away back toward the crowd with you pressed close to his side, he smiles down at you while you whisper something he finds humorous up to him. Alfira realizes she's never been that close to either of you, and fears she may have missed her chance---as strange as the encounter was.

However, she does notice one thing about the couple as you walk away.

Both loving sets of eyes are the same piercing shade of bloody red.

#astarion ancunin #baldur's gate 3 #baldur's gate astarion #astarion x tav #bg3 astarion #astarion x reader #astarion #bg3 x reader #bg3 #astarion x oc #astarion x you #bg3 companions #bg3 tav

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moodymelanist · 1 year ago

Text

Hey There, Summerboy

happy @cassianappreciationweek everyone! i'm so so excited to see what everyone creates for this week<3

does parasailing count as flying? of course it does. hope y'all enjoy this one and see you again for more cassian goodness later this week!!

Summary: When the Valkyries’ parasailing excursion doesn’t go as planned, the hot guy on the beach swoops in to help Nesta out.

Word Count: 2,165

Read on AO3 here!

✵✵✵✵✵ Nesta

Nesta sighed happily as she reclined in her lounge chair, shifting ever so slightly to make herself more comfortable. She’d been looking forward to this vacation for months now, and God did it feel good to relax by the pool without a care in the world. The sun was warming her perfectly, she looked great in her navy one-piece, and she’d deleted Outlook from her phone for the week.

She, Emerie, and Gwyn had planned a much-needed girls trip to Mexico, and so far everything had been going perfectly. They’d booked an all-inclusive resort in Cancun – a little further down the hotel strip to lower their chances of being bombarded by college students – and the food was good, the weather was perfect, and Nesta had never enjoyed her life more than this moment.

All she needed now was for Gwyn and Emerie to come join her, but they were taking their time enjoying the buffet. Nesta knew they were actually trying to decide whether a pretty blonde woman and her brooding friend were dating or just friends, so she told them to just catch up with her by the pool once they were finished.

Nesta let herself doze for a bit while she waited for them, and she returned to full awareness at the feeling of someone gently poking her shoulder. “Hmm?”

“Good afternoon, sleepyhead,” Gwyn said from above her with a wide grin. She pushed her sunglasses up on top of her head, her hand even more freckled than usual thanks to all the time they’d been spending in the sun. “You ready for our excursion?”

“What are we doing again?” Nesta asked, sitting up once she’d adequately stretched her limbs out. Gwyn had gone a little crazy with booking fun things for them to do, and while normally Nesta would be trying to reel her in just a little, she’d been so exhausted and burnt out from work lately that she hadn’t had the heart to tell Gwyn no.

“Parsailing,” Emerie answered. She messed with the straps of her black bathing suit before adding, “We just have to go down to the beach.”

“Yeah, okay,” Nesta replied, glad that she’d worn a more secure bathing suit today. “Let me pack up my stuff and we can go.”

Gwyn beamed. “Yay! I’ve been looking forward to this all vacation.”

“You’ve said that about all the activities,” Emerie responded, teasing just a little bit.

“Yeah, because they’ve all been exciting,” Gwyn fired back without missing a beat. “Come on, Em! It’s Mexico.”

Nesta finished gathering her stuff, tuning out her friends joking with one another as she neatly repacked her beach bag and put on her beach slides. The three of them made their way down to the beach, sand warm under their feet and the smell of the ocean beckoning them closer as they found the people in charge of the parasailing.

Emerie quickly stepped in to handle everything, her first language coming in handy just as it had for all the previous days of their trip. As she was talking with the employees, another group stepped into line behind them, but Nesta wasn’t paying too much attention. She was more focused on the way Emerie seemed to be getting more and more insistent, and Nesta didn’t need to understand Spanish to know that that wasn’t exactly the best sign.

Emerie turned to Nesta and Gwyn sheepishly after a few more minutes of conversation. “Uh… she’s saying the parasail only fits two people at once. Not three.”

“You’re kidding,” Gwyn replied, pouting. “I thought the guy at the hotel said we could do three people!”

“Apparently he was wrong,” Emerie said back with a heavy sigh. “So one of us is going to have to go alone, or not at all.”

“I don’t mind not going,” Nesta responded before either of her friends could get a chance to. “I know how much you two like this kind of stuff.”

“Nesta, I don’t want to do that to you,” Gwyn protested immediately.

“We can find something else to do for all three of us,” Emerie chimed in at nearly the same time.

“No, seriously, it’s okay,” Nesta insisted. She loved her friends, but she also wasn’t exactly champing at the bit to be flying through the air alone. “I’m sure you already paid, so I can just go read by the pool. It’s really not that big of a deal.”

“Nesta, are you sure?” Gwyn asked. “Because we can just find a different activity to do. I have no problems going back inside and getting our money back.”

Before Nesta could firmly tell Gwyn that it was absolutely not a problem, someone chimed in from behind them. “Not to be totally creepy, but… maybe we can help each other out here?”

Nesta turned to see the group she hadn’t been paying attention to earlier was actually made up of the blonde woman and the brooding guy trailing along behind her that Emerie and Gwyn had been debating about earlier. What they hadn’t mentioned was the third member of their group, who had to have been one of the most attractive men Nesta had ever seen in her life. He was tall, with dark swirls of ink curling across his chest and upper arms, and his eyes were a pretty hazel color that made her want to step closer to figure out what color they really were.

“What?” Nesta said dumbly, her brain still catching up somewhat. Emerie snorted from somewhere behind her, but Nesta’s mind was too busy going !!! to fully process that.

“I’m too big to fit on a parasail with my friends anyway,” Hot Beach Guy continued. He motioned to himself with a bit of a self-deprecating grin, and Nesta had to make sure her mouth hadn’t dropped open at the sight of his thighs in his bright red swim trunks. “So if you need someone to go with, I’m your guy.”

“That’ll be perfect,” Gwyn cut in before Nesta could say something embarrassing. Not that she necessarily appreciated Gwyn making the decision for her, but at least it saved her countless sleepless nights replaying this interaction. “Nesta would love to.”

“Nesta, huh?” Hot Beach Guy said, grinning at Nesta. God, she wanted to lick her name right out of his mouth, but she needed to pull it the fuck together. Immediately. “I sure hope you can speak for yourself before we get strapped in together.”

“Of course I can speak for myself,” Nesta said back with a roll of her eyes. He was hot, but not so hot that she was rendered completely incapable of speech. “I don’t know if I want to be strapped in with a stranger.”

“I’m Cassian,” Cassian said, pointing to himself before moving onto his friends. “That’s Mor, and that’s Azriel. Stranger danger solved.”

“I wouldn’t mind a little stranger danger myself,” Emerie said under her breath. Gwyn giggled quietly, but the way Mor was staring Emerie down, Nesta didn’t think danger was going to be any sort of problem tonight. Maybe figuring out their sleeping arrangements, but they’d cross that bridge when they got to it.

“So, Nes,” Cassian continued with a waggle of his eyebrows. One of them had a scar cutting through it, and it was unfair just how much hotter it made him. “What do you say? Do you trust me?”

“You’re no Aladdin,” Nesta replied, cocking an eyebrow of her own, “but I guess you’ll do.”

Cassian laughed, and that was that. Emerie and Gwyn stayed together, as did Azriel and Mor, but somehow Nesta and Cassian ended up being the first to go on the parasail. Judging from Gwyn and Emerie’s knowing smiles, it was probably half so she wouldn’t back out at the last minute and half so they could enjoy watching Cassian shamelessly flirt with her the entire time.

Not that Nesta completely minded that last part.

Shameless flirting aside, Cassian was more than helpful in getting Nesta to the right part of the boat. Before she knew it, they were getting strapped in as the employees gave them all the standard warnings about keeping their limbs where they were supposed to. Nesta swallowed thickly, the reality of what she was doing sinking in a little bit as the employees finished doing their last rounds of safety checks. It was probably too late to back out, but it would also probably be fine. Right?

“It’ll be fine,” Cassian said suddenly, as if he’d plucked the though right out of her mind. Nesta whipped her head to the side to find him already looking at her; the way his gaze was too knowing made her want to look away, but she fought the urge to hide. His eyes were much greener up close than she’d thought. “I’ll protect you.”

“That’s reassuring,” Nesta said back with a roll of her eyes.

“I’m pretty strong,” he replied, chuckling. “I think I could handle it.”

“Let’s hope we don’t have to find out,” she told him, surprised when he just laughed again. “What’s so funny?”

“You,” he answered without hesitation. “Something about a beautiful woman knocking me down a peg or two really gets me going.”

Nesta was saved from having to reply when the employees started counting down, and suddenly, the boat started speeding up. It felt like hardly any time at all before the parachute started filling up with air, and suddenly Nesta and Cassian’s feet were leaving the ground. Nesta released an undignified squeak that she would absolutely refuse having made if anyone asked her, her feet flailing a little bit as the ground disappeared from underneath them, and her hand shot out of its own accord to grab Cassian’s seemingly already waiting one.

“Let’s go!” Cassian yelled, clearly having the time of his life. He whooped loudly, the sound yanking Nesta out of her head just enough for her to refocus, and she blinked a few times before turning to look at him. “This is awesome!”

“I can’t believe I’m doing this!” Nesta yelled back over the sound of the wind. “What the hell! This is insane!”

“It’s just like flying,” Cassian answered, still speaking pretty loudly so they could hear each other. Nesta couldn’t help but think to herself that if this was what flying was like, she didn’t know if she wanted any parts of it ever again, but it was a fun thought.“Look how pretty the ocean is!”

She dared to look down beneath their dangling feet, her mouth falling open a little bit at how blue the water was. She hadn’t seen water this blue in a long time, other than from looking out of plane windows, but he was right – it was pretty, and even though her stomach felt a few seconds away from dropping out, she was glad that she’d gotten to see it.

“Told you so!” Cassian told her once Nesta had looked back up. He shifted his hand underneath hers so their fingers were lined up better, and it sent a little zing right up Nesta’s spine. His hands were larger than hers and much, much, warmer, and damn if it didn’t help settle something in her that she didn’t know she needed.

“Don’t get used to it!” Nesta shouted back, wishing she could’ve heard his answering laugh over the wind.

Cassian spent the rest of the ride cheering and pointing things out for Nesta to look at, which she deeply appreciated despite half the time being a little too nervous to look away from their hands to see what he was talking about. He didn’t seem to be deterred at all; if anything, the only time he got a little deflated was when they felt a tug on the parasail as the rope started turning and bringing them back down to the boat.

Once they’d gotten unhooked from their safety harnesses and had moved back inside the boat, Cassian leaned against the nearest wall and looked down at Nesta with a playful grin. “So for our second date, do you want to do something on the ground, or…?”

“What made you think that was a first date?” Nesta asked, crossing her arms as she looked up at him.

“Holding my hand the entire time was a pretty clear sign, if you ask me,” he replied without missing a beat.

“If that’s enough to make something a date for you, I’d hate to see what you do after a real one,” she retorted dryly, pulling a laugh from him.

“I’d love to give you a hands-on demonstration,” he answered, still grinning. “Maybe tonight? Around 8?”

Nesta made a big show of sizing him up, from his wind-tousled curls all the way down to his surprisingly nice feet and back up again. She already knew what her answer was going to be, but she found that she thoroughly enjoyed making him squirm. “Don’t disappoint me.”

Lucky for Cassian, he didn’t.

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